Fourth of July

Bigfork knows how to throw a party. And when it is our country’s birthday, Bigfork really knows how to celebrate! We are thrilled to invite you to join us for the centerpiece of our 4th of July celebration—the annual parade through Bigfork, starting at noon.

This year’s theme and Grand Marshal will announced soon.

Join us on July 4th as we celebrate our community’s heritage and future, honoring those who have made it possible and welcoming those who will carry Bigfork forward. The parade begins with members of the military. They will pause in front of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts to present colors while the National Anthem is sun Bring your whole family to view our great parade to celebrate the birth of our country. The 4^th of July Parade in Bigfork is a Flathead Valley favorite.

There will be food trucks and live music by the Fetveit Brothers in the downtown parking lot starting at 10am and continuing after the parade so head down early. 

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 8am-5pm. For everyone to have a clear view of the parade, there will be no cars allowed in downtown Bigfork after 8 am on the 4^th.  There will be limited handicap parking at First Interstate bank.  These spaces must be reserved in advance by calling Becca at 406-837-1600.

Floats must pre-register. If you are planning on entering a float in the parade, you must pre-register and make sure you understand the float line up procedure. There is a fee for all entries 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.

Each year, parade organizers pay extra care to the energy and messages from participants both in and watching the parade. We are 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 in and excited to invite the Flathead Valley to this non-partisan celebration of America’s birthday.

Parade Rules

To preserve the spirit of community celebration, this is a non-partisan event. Political candidates, parties, and issue-based advocacy groups are not permitted to participate in the parade in any capacity. This includes campaign floats, signage, slogans, clothing, or other materials that promote political agendas.

The parade organizers reserve the right to remove any entry, person, or float that is deemed political, offensive, or otherwise inconsistent with the family-friendly and inclusive nature of the event.

• Items may not be thrown into the crowd. Walkers accompanying your float may hand out items or gently toss them toward the feet of spectators.

• No confetti or confetti cannons. Confetti creates lasting litter throughout the village. If anyone on your float is seen using confetti, you will be held responsible for cleanup costs.

• Parade lineup begins at 9:00 AM and closes promptly at 11:00 AM.

• Lineup is first-come, first in line—no place-holding is allowed.

• Animals and livestock are welcome to join the parade after all floats and before the Flathead Lake Lodge firetruck, which is last in the lineup. Please notify us in advance if you plan to bring animals so we can help secure a safe, shady waiting area. You must also provide walkers to clean up after them.

• Float judging will take place in the parade lineup. To be eligible, your float must be complete and ready by 11:00 AM.

• Floats that have not pre-registered or that arrive after 11:00 AM will not be allowed to participate.