The 59th annual parade, sponsored by the Northland Community Council, has set a 2023 theme of “Stronger Together”.

The parade is the only one in Central Ohio that occurs on the actual Independence Day holiday: Tuesday, July 4th.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. on July 4 in the Home Buys parking lot at Karl Rd. and Morse Rd. and travels north on Karl Road from Morse Road to Dublin-Granville Road (1.7 miles). It includes all of our favorite parade entries, including floats, cars, fire and police vehicles, veterans groups, bands, and others.

Kids can be in the parade on their bikes, trikes and scooters

Kids can decorate their bikes, tricycles, and scooters and meet us at the parking area in front of the Woodward Park Middle School at 10:30 a.m. on July 4. The Bikes and Trikes will enter the parade when the Forest Park entry reaches the school and will proceed to Dublin-Granville Rd. Kids can exit the parade at Sandalwood Blvd. if they do not want to make the full trip.

The FPCA will present awards based on two themes: “Stronger Together” and “Patriotism”.

Parents or guardians must register participants and sign a waiver on site. Children five years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent or older child during the parade. All children will need to wear a helmet if riding a bicycle.

Help us organize and judge Bikes & Trikes

We need some volunteers to help us. It is a simple and fun job: just show up Woodward Park Middle School at 10:30 a.m. on July 4. If you would like to judge the Bikes & Trikes, email volunteerfpca@gmail.com.

Help build the FPCA float

We are seeking people to help plan and build our FPCA float and march with our parade entry. Our past entries have collected top awards from the parade organizers and promote our wonderful Forest Park neighborhood. Our 2022 float – designed and built by Mary Sguerra and Randy Via – won the “Best In Theme” award. Email volunteerfpca@gmail.com now to help.

Your organization, team or business can be in the parade

The registration fee for Commercial businesses is $85 on or before June 19 and $120 after that date. The registration fee for each politician is $135 on or before June 19 and $170 after that date. There is no registration fee for all other registrants, but the NCC asks you to consider supporting the parade by making a donation to help cover the parade’s expenses. You can also register to be a sponsor of the parade and receive additional recognition.

Find more information and register your entry at northlandparade.org/get-involved/be-in-the-parade/.

Learn more about the parade at northlandparade.org.

Photos by Dave Paul.