City of Tumwater, WA
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Independence Day Parade
Annual Independence Day Parade
For over 30 years, the City of Tumwater has hosted its Annual Independence Day Parade. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. on July 4. Individuals and organizations interested in participating in the parade, please click the blue button below to register online.
Additional details included in the Information Packet below. If you need more information, please contact Tumwater Parks & Recreation staff: email tumwaterparks@ci.tumwater.wa.us or call 360-754-4160.
Escort Vehicles for Dignitaries
Tumwater Parks and Recreation is also actively seeking vehicles (and their owners) to escort dignitaries in the parade. If you have a convertible and are interested in participating in the parade as an escort driver, please complete the Escort Vehicle web form linked below or contact staff for more information.
Parade Details
Timeline: The Independence Day Parade is held annually on July 4.
- 10:30 a.m.: No vehicle access allowed along the parade route.
- 10:45 a.m.: Pre-parade activities begin
- 11:00 a.m.: Parade begins
- Parade starts at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Lee Street.
- Moves south on Capitol Boulevard to Israel Road.
- Turns west (right) onto Israel Road and continues past City Hall, ending up at Linderson Way / Israel Road Intersection.
Road Closures/ Restricted Vehicle Access:
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From approximately 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., vehicular access to and from property along the parade route will be restricted due to street closures.
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Beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. on July 4, Linderson Way and West Lee Street will be restricted to emergency access. If you need access to these streets after 8:30 a.m. and prior to 12:30 p.m., please make advance arrangements for your vehicle. Parking your vehicle at an alternate location may be preferred.
If you have questions regarding the parade, staging areas, or street access, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department: (360) 754-4160.
2025 Parade Award Winners (will be posted on July 4)
| Dale O. Johnson Founder's Award: | Trailblazer's Society - Children of the American Revolution |
| Parade Theme Award: | Black Hills High School Dance Team |
| Community Award: | Puget Sound Care |
| Community Youth Award: | Little Flower's Early Learning Center |
| Music in Motion Award: | Capital Lakefair |
| Veteran's Award: | Marine Corps League Detachment #482 |
| Floats Grand Sweepstakes Award: | Reach for the Stars |
| Floats Sweepstakes Award: | Thurston County Collision |
| March/Dance/Drill Grand Sweepstakes Award: | Black Hills High School Cheerleaders |
| March/Dance/Drill Sweepstakes Award: | Tenino Drumline |
| Most Impressive Animal - Grand Sweepstakes Award: | Thurston County Fair |
| Most Impressive Animal - Sweepstakes Award: | Black Hills High School Cheerleaders (dog accompanying entry) |
| Huggable Loveable Pet Award: | Muttz-K-Teers AKC FIT Dog Club |
| Comic Award: | Trailblazer's Society - Children of the American Revolution |
| Bands - Grand Sweepstakes Award: | Olympia Highlanders Pipes & Drums |
| Mounted Drill Grand Sweepstakes Award: | American Made Drill Team |
| Mounted Drill Sweepstakes Award: | Tumwater High School Equestrian Team |
| Mounted Drill Scooper Award: | American Made Drill Team |
| Junior Mounted Drill Grand Sweepstakes Award: | Tumwater High School Equestrian Team |
| Trucks/Equipment Grand Sweepstakes Award: | Bob Legg |
| Trucks/Equipment Sweepstakes Award: | South Union Grange |
| Cars Grand Sweepstakes Award: | Model T Car |
| Emergency Response Unit Award: | Olympia Firehouse 5 |
| Classic Cars - 1st Place: | Todd Wallace - 1963 Lincoln |
| Classic Cars - 2nd Place: | Jay Wallace - 1955 Chevy |