2021 July 4th Parade in Washington DC: is it taking place this year?
The 2021 National Independence Day Parade was due to take place on Sunday 4 July but the event has been cancelled for the second year running, organisers announced.
The annual National Independence Day Parade was due to take place tomorrow, Sunday 4 July 2021 but due to issues relating to the coronavirus pandemic, the event has been cancelled for the second year running.
No time to organise 2021 4th July Parade
The National Park Service (NPS), who organise the event, released a statement explaining why this year’s parade has been cancelled but hope that it will return next year.
“After much thought and consideration, the National Park Service and Diversified Events have cancelled this year’s National Independence Day Parade due to logistics and planning limitations.
The marching units that travel from across the country to participate in the parade have not had the necessary eight to 18 months to organize, rehearse and fund raise before making the trip, and most are still unable to travel due to COVID-19 concerns. We are unable to stage a successful event without the excitement and sound provided by these high school bands, drill teams and other youth organizations.
We share everyone’s disappointment in this decision and look forward to presenting this red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday again on July 4, 2022”.
While this year's Parade may not be taking place, there are plenty of other alternative activities lined up to take part in and enjoy - here are some of them. There will be a spectacular firework display right in the heart of Washington DC, starting at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Find out more where you can watch the firework display here.
4th July Parade route and celebrations
The Independence Day Parade is a celebration of America’s birthday and takes place on 4 July every year in Washington, DC. The parade route is one mile long and starts at 11:45 am on the corner of Constitution Avenue NW and 7th St NW. The parade features marching bands, floats and performers such as dancers and acrobats who come down for the celebration from all parts of the country. The parade continues west for 10 blocks until it reaches the intersection of Constitution Avenue NW and 17th Street NW, finishing at around 2 pm with other festivities taking place during the rest of the day. It is usually broadcast live on Youtube.
The 2020 National Independence Day Parade was cancelled but former President Donald Trump went ahead with his 'Salute to America' celebrations on the South Lawn of the White House and Ellipse in spite of warnings from health officials.