Tonight (May 10) the Ann Arbor Jaycees announced it is returning to Downtown Ann Arbor in 2024!
Last month we had reported that it would be staying at Briarwood Mall based on information on their site that day. So we were excited to hear their new announcement of returning downtown.
Ann Arbor July 4 Parade 2024 Returns to “Normal”
The Ann Arbor Jaycees Parade returns to Downtown Ann Arbor and returns to the July 4th date after being on July 2 at Briarwood Mall in 2023.
The parade will step off at State and William at 10am.
Fourth of July Parade Ann Arbor Route
Not only is the parade returning to downtown, it is also returning to its traditional pre-pandemic, pre-construction route.
The parade starts on S. State at E. William and heads north. It turns left at Liberty and heads west to Main St where it turns left and heads south to William. The route turns left and William to head back east to its end at S. Thompson St.
Thoughts on Recent Parades
We attended both the 2022 (downtown) and 2023 (Briarwood) parade and found both to be considerably shorter than prior years. Even the 2019 parade had less participants.
I hope to see the parade return to its former length with all our local community groups participating.
Pre-Parade Activities
If you arrive early, you can pickup breakfast or coffee from local shops and cheer on Firecracker 5K runners.
Spectator Tips for Ann Arbor Parade
The parade is typically LONG. The last couple of years we attended, my husband and I watched the parade near the start. From the timestamp on my photos of the first and last groups, I was able to capture parade length:
- 2015 parade – 53 minutes
- 2016 parade – 43 minutes
- 2017 parade – 41 minutes
- 2019 parde – 42 minutes
- 2022 parade – 20 minutes
- 2023 parade -20 minutes
The 2022 & 2023 parades were considerably shorter than normal. Due to construction, they had a limited staging area and did not receive approval until late. This limited their ability to signup participants. Hopefully the 2024 parade is closer to normal length.
When to Arrive
Plan to arrive early. There will be pre-parade entertainment and food trucks starting at 8a.
The Firecracker 5K is typically held before the parade starting at 8a. The Firecracker 5K is also moving to Briarwood Mall this year, but is remaining on July 4th.
Where to Park for the Ann Arbor Jaycees Parade 2024
With road closures from the Firecracker 5K and the parade staging areas, the best place to park will depend on what part of town you arrive from. We usually come from either the south or the east. We’ve parked in the UM Thompson lot and the Power Center lot. My husband has a UM blue parking pass, but parking is not enforced in most main campus garages on university holidays (it is on the medical campus).
What to Bring to the 4th of July Parade Ann Arbor
Yes, even as spectators you should come to the parade prepared.
At a minimum I would bring a bag for candy/literature/goodies. If you have multiple children, separate bags may be a good idea to prevent fighting over who the goodies belong to. I also suggest a separate bag to recycle all the political handouts so they can go straight in the recycling bin….especially if you don’t live in the city of Ann Arbor and aren’t eligible to vote for many of the candidates.
Since the parade is outdoors, I suggest sun screen and water bottles.
I suggest bringing chairs to sit in along the route.
The Ann Arbor Fire Department;s Firefighter’s Spray Park on Maynard returns for 2024!
Summary:
- Bag for candy/goodies
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottles to stay hydrated in the heat
- Chairs (depending on where you watch)
- Ponchos or umbrellas if the weather is threatening.
Where to Watch the Ann Arbor Fourth of July Parade
In my opinion there is no one perfect place to watch the Ann Arbor Fourth of July Parade. There are so many factors that go into selecting where to watch: shade, crowds, escapability, and candy quantity. The balance of these factors will be different for each person.
- Earlier in the parade usually means groups haven’t run out of candy yet.
- Watch from later in the parade route if you want less candy.
- The best shade will be on the west side of the buildings.
- Earlier in the parade groups tend to be tightly spaced. As the parade progresses, they tend to spread out.
- Sit on the outside of the parade loop to be able to leave mid-parade.
- Traditionally State St & Main St have been the most crowded places to watch.
Candy/Goodies
Many parade groups will pass out candy or other goodies. If you want candy, you are better to watch from earlier in the route. If you want less candy, watch the parade closer to the end of the parade route. Most groups have run out of candy by this point.
I love this photo of my daughter handing out candy at age 3 when the parade started at State and William. She stopped at each kid and personally handed them the candy. They quickly fell behind. They caught up once they ran out of a huge bucket of candy before making it to up all the way up State to Liberty.
In later years she learned to drop the candy in groups and keep up with our group.
Participant Tips
Signups are open now. For guaranteed placement, apply by Friday, June 21.
In the past kids can decorate a bike and join the parade. This has not happened since 2019, but I hope to see it return.
What to Wear
Participants are encouraged to dress either for their organization or in Red White and Blue. My daughter has alternated between wearing a shirt for her group and a patriotic shirt.
Most importantly, participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen is also a must!
What to Bring
Participants should bring a water bottle. Participants are permitted to hand out candy, goodies, and literature. I suggest bringing double or even triple the amount of candy you think you’ll need especially as a first timer. In 2009, the candy below only lasted for the first 1/4 of the parade.
If you are bringing candy, I have a few recommendations. We usually use a combination of lollipops, Twizzlers, Tootsie Rolls, Air Heads, hard candy, etc. We avoid chocolates which can melt and tend to have more allergen issues than some of the others.
A wagon is extremely helpful in handling water bottles, candy, literature, and goodies for your group.
Handing Out Candy/Goodies Tips
If you are handing out candy or other goodies at the parade, the parade rules prohibit you from throwing the items. You can drop candy near the curb which is the method that I recommend.
At 3.5 my daughter handed candy out one by one to everyone along the route not wanting to miss anyone. She quickly ran out of candy, and ended up about 6 groups behind us (with dad).
Other Things to Bring
Don’t forget your Sunscreen. As a participant, you won’t be able to stay in the shade as spectators can.
Other Fourth of July Parades Near Me
In 2023, with the Ann Arbor Parade a few days early we attended the Ypsilanti 4th of July Parade on the 4th. It was nice getting to attend 2 parades. There are also a couple of other Fourth of July Parades.
More Independence Day Celebrations
Beyond parades, there are many other 4th of July celebrations – Fireworks shows, concerts, and more. Get more details below on these 4th of July events and more useful information:
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Thank you for.taking the time to share! Attending for the first time as a single dad with my 2-yr old twin daughters. Can’t wait!! ??