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Idaho 4th of July Parade from Boise

Crowd of people watching the honor guard in the Boise 4th of July Independence Day Parade in front of the Boise capitol building. Crowd of people watching the honor guard in the Boise 4th of July Independence Day Parade in front of the Boise capitol building.

Idaho 4th of July Parade Entry Rules & Requirements

2024 Theme – United We Stand

To ensure and maintain a respectful environment during the Idaho 4th of July Parade from Boise, the following must be followed. Any violation of these rules and requirements will void the entries participation in that year's parade and the entry fee will be forfeited. Parade organizers or their representatives will review each parade application and their entry during line-up, prior to set off and during the parade to ensure adherence. Entries that violate these will be asked to exit the parade before and/or during the parade. The decision of the parade organizer or its representatives is final.

Guidelines for Judged Parade Entries

We the People seek and encourage high quality parade entries to celebrate our Nation's founding. Parade entries that choose to participate in being judged can receive financial awards for their work. This award is $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively. The financial award will go to the entry's charity of choice. The following sets forth parade entry guidelines for those that choose to be judged.

  1. The parade entry can be a business organization, or family.
  2. A judged parade entry must select the option to be judged in the parade entry form.
  3. Entries must select a charity of choice and include contact information in the parade entry.
  4. Businesses are encouraged to work together with their charity of choice to prepare their entry and participate in the parade.
  5. A charity may enter their own parade entry and be judged for the financial reward.
  6. All parade entries must include the following:
    • A dedicated float measuring at least 18' long. A Single decorated vehicle does not qualify. Decorated trailers or self-propelled floats meet this requirement.
    • Floats must clearly and obviously represent the annual parade theme and support the focus of a community gathering to celebrate the Declaration of Independence.
    • Floats must have at least 2 individuals accompanying the float (not including the driver). Additional participants are highly encouraged.

Approved Flags for Display

Only the following flags are permitted to be displayed on any commercial, organizational, governmental, family, and/or individual entry. Entries are strongly encouraged to research and follow official ceremonial flag display etiquette.

Approved Flags:

  1. United States of America flag
    NOTE: If any of the following flags are included in the parade entry, the official United States flag must also be displayed with the United States flag higher and in the center.
  2. Official flags of foreign nations with a diplomatic presence in Idaho, i.e. Mexico.
  3. Official Idaho State flag
    NOTE: The Idaho flag must be displayed if any other official State flag is included.
  4. Official City and County flags of the State of Idaho
  5. Official Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) flag
  6. Official U.S. Army flag
  7. U.S. Marine Corps flag
  8. U.S. Navy flag
  9. U.S. Air Force flag
  10. U.S. Space Force flag
  11. U.S. Coast Guard flag
  12. American Legion flag

All other flags are not permitted on any commercial, organizational, governmental, family and/or individual entry. Any violation of this requirement will void the entry's participation in that year's parade and the entry fee will be forfeited. The decision of the parade organizer or its representatives is final.

Candy and Handouts

Parade participants, whether walking or riding in/on a vehicle, are not to throw any candy during the parade. Parade participants may hand out candy along the parade route. This is a critical safety concern. Participants may hand out flyers but please be aware of the potential trash this can generate. The parade organizers seek to have a safe and litter free event.

Fire Safety

No open flames are permitted and each entry with a float must have a fire extinguisher.

Idaho Governing Laws

Idaho's laws will be followed and enforced.

Indecency & Obscenity and protecting Children & Vulnerable Adults: All parade entries are strongly encouraged to review and are required to follow Idaho State Statute Title 18: Crimes and Punishments. Entries' attention is drawn to the following, Chapter 15: Children and Vulnerable Adults, and Chapter 41: Children and Vulnerable Adults. Additionally, in the spirit of a community gathering participants are highly encouraged to focus their parade entry on celebrating freedom in a manner that brings the community together.

Firearms, Explosives and Other Deadly Weapons: All parade entries are strongly encouraged to review and are required to follow Idaho State Statute Title 18: Crimes and Punishments, Chapter 33: Firearms, Explosive and Other Deadly Weapons. Additionally, in the spirit of a community gathering open carry of firearms is not permitted. Any violation of these State Statutes and the parade organizer's rules will void the entry's participation in that year's parade and the entry fee will be forfeited and at the discretion of the organizer will not be allowed to participate in subsequent parades. The decision of the parade organizer or its representatives is final.

Boise City Governing Rules

The City of Boise's Special Event policy will be followed. Parade participants are strongly encouraged to review this information. We The People contracts with Outdoor Event Group to manage the application submission, review, and approval with the City of Boise.