America's 250th
Birthday Parade
Join us and be a part of history as Rapid City hosts a spectacular parade celebrating America’s 250th birthday!
July 2, 2026 ★ Downtown Rapid City ★ 7 p.m.
The Festival of Lights Parade is stepping into the spotlight for a special,
one-year-only summer celebration! In partnership with the City of Rapid City, parade organizers are hosting a parade at 7 p.m. on July 2, 2026 to help celebrate America’s 250th Birthday. This patriotic event will use the same route and rates as the annual Festival of Lights Parade, making it easy for returning and new entrants alike to participate. We invite businesses, organizations, and community groups to join us in this historic celebration. Use the links below to register, submit online payment, review the rules and regulations, and view the parade route map.
Register to Participate!
Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to do so! There is a non-refundable entry fee of $45.00. However, non-profit service clubs, civic organizations, and church groups pay only $30.00.
Participants must complete our Registration Packet, which you can find linked below. The registration packet must be submitted to the Festival of Lights organization to participate in America's 250th Birthday Parade.
You will receive a Confirmation Packet with information regarding the staging area and route after we receive your registration and payment. Please notify us by June 18, 2026, if you are unable to participate.
Registration fees are accepted in the form of cash, check, or credit card by clicking on buttons below. Checks should be made payable to Festival of Lights Parade. Check or cash payments can be sent via mail to the address listed in the Registration Packet.
Submit your completed Registration Packet as soon as possible by emailing it to festivaloflightsrc@gmail.com or by mailing it to the address on the form.​
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed to help us safely celebrate this historic parade!
We are seeking dedicated individuals (age 16 and up) to assist with parade route security and crowd control, beginning with a pre-parade meeting at 3 p.m. and serving through the conclusion of the event. Volunteers will be stationed in the staging area and along the parade route, where a strong, confident presence is essential to politely yet assertively guide traffic, participants, and spectators.
Safety is our highest priority. Volunteers should bring a cell phone, wear their assigned vest, and may bring beverages and snacks for personal use (no alcohol permitted).
Volunteers will represent the very best of our community during this once-in-a-generation celebration—your commitment helps ensure a safe and memorable experience for all! To sign up online, click the button below. Otherwise, please contact Connie Olson at festivaloflightsrc@gmail.com.
