FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

When is the parade scheduled?

The parade is scheduled for Thursday, July 4th, 2025 at 10:00am.

Where will the parade take place?

The parade will take place downtown, along the Boise’s designated parade route (1.2 miles), primarily along W. Jefferson Street and W. Bannock Street. The parade will start on W. Jefferson Street, from N. 11th Street to 4th Street, and then up W. Bannock Street to finish at N. 11th Street.

Opening Ceremonies will be held in front of the State Capitol Building beginning at 9:00am. There will be a Pancake Breakfast hosted by Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA) at Cecil D. Andrus Park beginning at 7:00am.

More information about the ceremony and pancake breakfast can be found in the Associated Events Special Programming section below.

How can I watch the parade?

There are a variety of options to watch the parade:

Join us in person
On TV – CBS2 (KBOI and KLEW), more information available in the Television Broadcast & Media Partners section below
Online – CBS2 website, Facebook , and YouTube pages

How long does the parade last?

The parade will be live on KBOI for 90 minutes (10:00am – 11:30am) and should be concluded in-person by 12:00pm.

Attendance & Spectator Information

Is there an admission fee to attend the parade?

No; this parade is free and open to the public.

Can I bring my pets to the parade?

Yes; pets on leashes are welcome to join as long as you’re in compliance with governing City Ordinances.

Note: There will be amplified Audio-Visual elements (Public Address system), live music, marching bands, horns/sirens, aircraft fly-overs, and other live animals participating in the parade. Please consider how these loud parade elements might upset your furry friends.

Can I bring my pets to the Pancake Breakfast at Cecil D. Andrus Park?

Unfortunately, no. Let’s face it: pets love pancakes and bacon as much as we do! However, animals around food preparation stations (and the amazing smell of bacon) just doesn’t work out.

Are there designated viewing areas for people with disabilities?

Yes; There is designated ADA viewing areas in the Grandstand area. See the Accessible Accommodations / ADA section below for more info.

Note: We ask all parade attendees to allow persons in wheelchairs to occupy paved/accessible spaces throughout the parade route. Our Safety Staff and Volunteers will gladly help accommodate ADA guests upon request.

Can I bring my own seating or chairs?

Yes; you are welcome to bring your own chairs.

Are there any restrictions on cameras?

No; you are welcome to bring personal cameras and professional cameras alike.

Parking & Transportation

Where can I park my car?

Boise has a fair amount of available street parking (except for affected parade route road closures), as well as downtown parking garages.

Is there accessible parking for people with disabilities?

Yes, placarded ADA parking is available as street-parking (except for affected parade route road closures), as well as [paid] downtown parking garages.

Is public transportation available?

Yes; please visit Valley Regional Transits website for bus routes.

Are there any road closures or detours?

Yes; the following roads will be closed until the conclusion of the parade:

W. State Street to W. Idaho Street, from N. 12th Street to N. 3rd Street

Weather

What happens if it rains?

The parade may be delayed or canceled due to extreme weather conditions. Event organizers will be closely monitoring weather conditions and will proceed as long as it is safe to do so. Any delays or cancellations will be communicated through the Public Address system, the live-stream broadcast, and across social media platforms.

Safety, First Aid Stations, & Lost Child

Are there Medical / First Aid stations available?

Yes; there are two First Aid stations:

First Aid 1: N. 8th Street & W. Jefferson Street (outside parade loop)
First Aid 2: SE corner of Cecil D. Andrus Park by N. 6th Street (inside parade loop) at the Pancake Breakfast event

Note: If you have a critical medical emergency (such as a suspected heart attack or stroke) and cannot move to one of the First Aid stations, call 911 as soon as possible while event medical staff are being dispatched to your location.

Where is the Lost Child booth?

Both First Aid stations will be utilized as Lost Child reunification points:

Click to open parade route image in new tab for full-sized viewing.

Security personnel, Parade Staff, and Volunteers will be positioned throughout the parade route. If you become separated from your child, ask any staff member, volunteer, or first responder to assist.

What is the what.3.words application and how does it work?

What.3.Words is a free app used by emergency dispatch and responding agencies to provide precise locations to emergency first responders. With one click, a user can request help from local emergency dispatch by sending a 3-word code which provides the user’s exact location (accurate within 3-meters).

Visit their website to learn more or download the application.

Accessible Accommodations / ADA

Are there designated viewing areas for people with disabilities?

Yes; there are designated ADA viewing areas in the Grandstand area (at the Capitol).

Is there accessible parking for people with disabilities?

Yes, placarded ADA parking is available as street-parking (except for affected parade route road closures), as well as [paid] downtown parking garages.

Television Broadcast & Media Partners

Will the parade be televised?

Yes; the parade will be televised live on CBS 2 (KBOI in Boise & KLEW in Lewiston), starting at 10:00am.

Can I watch the parade online or via streaming services?

Yes; the live-stream will begin with the Opening Ceremonies at 9:00am on KBOI 2’s website as well as the CBS 2 Facebook and YouTube pages.

Associated Events & Special Programming

Where can I learn more about the Pancake Breakfast in Cecil D. Andrus Park?

The Pancake Breakfast in Cecil D. Andrus Park is hosted by Veterans Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA) and will start at 7:00am.

You can learn more about the breakfast by viewing the event page on the VEA website.

What time are the Opening Ceremonies at the State Capitol?

The Opening Ceremonies will begin at 9:00am.

Is there any special programming during the parade?

Yes; there will be a variety of special programming. This includes:

CapEd Credit Union’s hot air balloon launch
Military aircraft fly-overs
Armada Community Marching Band
Parade of Flags
Joint reading of the Declaration of Independence

Parade Participants & Floats

How can I participate in the parade (entering a float, singing/performing, etc.)?

Visit the Enter Parade section to register (until entries are closed).

Are there any registration requirements for participants?

Parade entry rules and float competition guidelines are available in the Entry Requirements section.

Can I distribute candy or promotional materials during the parade?

No; parade participants, whether walking or riding in/on a vehicle, are not permitted to throw any candy during the parade. This is a critical safety concern. Participants may hand out promotional giveaways and flyers but may not throw candy or items. The parade organizers seek to have a safe and litter free event.

Is there a best-float competition?

Yes; parade participants can elect to compete for prize money to be awarded to the winning organization’s local charity of choice. Winners will be announced during the parade’s live broadcast.

Food & Refreshments

Will food and beverages be available anywhere for purchase?

No; other than the Pancake Breakfast in Cecil D. Andrus Park, there are no other pop-up food vendors on the parade route (such as food trucks). However, there are plenty of great restaurant and café options conveniently located throughout the downtown area.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Absolutely; feel free to bring a picnic or snacks… we recommend bringing water!

Contact Information

How can I contact the parade organizers for additional information or inquiries?

Please contact us by using the Contact Us form.

Parade Organizers & Sponsors

What organization has facilitated the parade this year?

We The People 4th of July Parade Celebration, Inc. (We The People) is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. This organization is the facilitator of the parade. Additionally, Outdoor Event Group is contracted by We The People to function as the event organizer. We The People is very grateful for the City of Boise, State of Idaho, ACHD and other government agencies for their collaboration and support of the parade.