After a one-year hiatus during the pandemic, one of Greenville’s most beloved patriotic celebrations is returning to historic Park Street this July.
The annual Park Street Independence Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3 with antique cars, horses, a marching band and much more.
“We’re excited to be bringing the traditional Park Street parade back this summer at full scale,” said Derek Price, the parade chairman. “The past 12 months have been tough on all of us, and we’re ready to have fun celebrating our great country with friends and neighbors.”
Just as in previous years, the parade starts at 10 a.m. and proceeds west on Park Street to the Kavanaugh United Methodist Church.
The Greenville Fire Department Honor Guard will lead the parade, and James Narramore has been designated as Grand Marshal. Narramore is a longtime Park Street resident and has supported the Park Street Historical Association for many years, along with his late wife, Grace. He is a retired professional photographer and served in the United States military.
Parade participants are asked to line up at 9 a.m. at the east end of Park Street, near the 7th Street turnaround.
Staging for motor vehicles will be in the same location as previous years. Antique autos will stage in the parking lot at Family Fellowship Church on Division Street, while other motor vehicles will stage out of the Living Word Church parking lot.
There will be a $50 charge for any entrants doing political or commercial advertising. People wishing to advertise in the parade should bring a $50 check payable to the Park Street Historical Association. Those wanting additional information can call Dennis Mathis at 903-455-8170.
The parade will also feature appearances by the Greenville High School Band, Greenville Fire Department, Daughters of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars, motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, jeeps, honor guards, marching groups and equestrian entries.
The Park Street Historical Association is welcoming church groups, scout troops and community service organizations to enter a float. The association requests everyone decorate appropriately for the occasion featuring red, white and blue decorations.
For safety reasons, parking on Park Street is discouraged during the parade. Visitors are invited to bring chairs to sit along the sidewalks. No firearms or fireworks will be allowed during the parade, and parade organizers discourage throwing candy from floats for safety and litter reasons.
Spectators are encouraged to honor the flag during the parade by standing, removing hats and paying respect.
Additional information will be available at www.parkstreetgreenville.org.
