Planning Your Own Parade?

Coney Island Mermaid Parade (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Parades are a fun way to honor your organization, town, or school. Planning your float doesn't have to be intimidating. It's also a great way to let the creative juices flow, throw the use of grass matting, pomps, fringe, and floral sheeting. Let the kids decorate their bikes and wagons to make your neighborhood Memorial Day and July 4th celebrations fun. Sun, summer and parades: A great combination. Nothing screams summertime fun like watching colorful floats move by, with creative themes and energetic participants. The relaxed, social atmosphere is something that parents and children alike can enjoy. 


To help find the best to attend this summer, Shindigz scoured the nation looking for the top five must-see parades. The final list includes everything from mermaids to cowboys:

• #5 - The National Memorial Day Parade - Washington, DC Honoring all that have served in uniform, this recent addition to the Washington, DC parade scene has drawn over 250,000 spectators and consists of nearly 10,000 participants. The route passes the National Mall while travelling on Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets. What better way to honor our nation's veterans than by attending this patriotic event on May 28, 2012.

• #4 - Coney Island Mermaid Parade - New York, New York Celebrating the beginning of summer at Coney Island, this is billed as the world's largest arts parade. A fun, wacky event attended by nearly 600,000 people includes about every sea-themed costume imaginable. The event's organizers mention "some folks will be dressed as Mermaids and Mermen who, let's face it, aren't historically known for wearing much clothing." This New York City parade is a great way to celebrate summer in the Big Apple on June 23, 2012.

• #3 - Folkmoot USA Parade of Nations - Waynesville, North Carolina Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Folkmoot USA celebrates international culture through folk music and dance for two weeks every July. Close to 350 performers from about ten countries share their talent and colorful costumes during the Parade of Nations. Enjoy the folk music and culture that this parade passes by on July 20, 2012.

• #2 - Cheyenne Frontier Days Grand Parade - Cheyenne, Wyoming The world's largest rodeo is the backdrop of this classic parade. Held four times during this festival, it stars rodeo queens, marching bands, antique floats, and horse drawn vehicles. Even the horses are decorated with costumes and paints! Celebrate the Wild West in all its glory with this magnificent Wyoming parade on July 21, 24, 26, 28, 2012.

• #1 - Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival Parade of Classics - Auburn, Indiana Almost 300 beautiful Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg classic automobiles parade through this northeast Indiana town and then park downtown Auburn for all to admire during this nationally known Labor Day festival. This parade is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the look of historic and classic cars in all their glory. This Indiana parade is an excellent way to let the fall roll in on September 1, 2012.

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