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 when the form is available.
2026 parade entries are now closed.
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.
Escort Vehicle Entry Form - We are FULL for 2026. Please feel free to contact Parks and Recreation to inquire about being added to the wait list.
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.
2026 Parade Award Winners (will be posted on July 4)
| Parade Grand Sweepstakes Award: | Sacajawea Chapter of the DAR |
| Parade Sweepstakes Award: | Uncle Sam |
| Dale O. Johnson Community Award: | Tumwater Youth Program volunteers |
| Spirit of the Parade Award: | Tumwater High School Cheer |
| Music in Motion Award: | Rochester Warriors & Alumni Band |
| Tumwater Heritage Award: | Children of the American Revolution |
| Best Business Award: | 4th Dimension Construction |
| Mounted Drill Team: | American Made Drill Team |
| Junior Mounted Drill Team: | Tumwater High School Equestrian Team |
| Pooper Scooper Award: | Tumwater High School Equestrian Team |
| School Spirit Award: | Black Hills High School Cheer |
| Tumwater Arts Award: | Children of the American Revolution |
| Huggable Pet Award: | Thurston County Fair |
| Showstopper Award: | Cousin Clocko the Clown |
| Veteran's Award: | Friends of Willie and Joe |
| Classic Cars - 1st Place: | Jim & Sherry Cavenaugh |
| Classic Cars - 2nd Place: | Kevin & Michelle Gearhart |