Town prepares for its annual 4th of July celebration

Bigfork knows how to throw a party and when it is our country’s birthday, Bigfork really knows how to celebrate.

Centerpiece of the 4th of July celebration is the annual parade through Bigfork which begins at noon. The 4th of July Parade in Bigfork is a Flathead Valley favorite.

This year’s 4th of July Parade theme is celebrating Bigfork with There Is No Place Like Home!

Parking for the parade will be in the field at the intersection of Highway 35 and 82. From this parking area only, free shuttle service is available to downtown from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For everyone to have a clear view of the parade, there will be no cars allowed in downtown Bigfork after 8 a.m. on the 4th. There will be limited handicap parking, with decal, at First Interstate Bank until 11 a.m.

There will be no traffic allowed to turn off Highway 35 onto Grand Drive or Bridge Street after 11 a.m.

Floats must pre-register and the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce will be charging a fee to help cover the costs associated with the parade.

Floats will be judged on entertainment value, originality, craftsmanship, and interpretation of the theme, along with a classic car category.

This year, parade organizers are paying extra care to the energy and messages from participants both in and watching the parade.

The Chamber is asking that all individuals attending the parade in any capacity remember this is a community event – welcoming to all and strictly non-partisan. Please keep this in mind if you are planning to attend or participate in the parade.

Any person or float that is deemed by parade organizers as offensive or political will be removed from the event. We are proud of where we live and excited to invite the Flathead Valley to this non-partisan celebration of America’s birthday.

Politicians may participate in the parade by name only, no political issues allowed, and no handing out anything other than candy.

The Chamber is also still in need of nearly 50 volunteers for a number of tasks at this year’s event, including: parking attendants, parade route monitors, bus attendants, traffic directors, a float coordinator, handicap parking attendant and post-parade cleanup crew.

To volunteer, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044da8ab2eabf85-4thofjuly3#/ or email the chamber at chamber@bigfork.org.