The Rotary Club of Jacksonville invites businesses, organizations, groups and individuals to participate in its Fourth of July Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026!

This year the parade’s focus is “Celebrating Freedom, Service and Impact,” honoring those who willingly unite to build strong connections within our local and regional communities, creating a significant, positive, and lasting impact.

Rabbi Rob and Lauren Thomas, Jacksonville residents and philanthropists, will be our Parade Marshals. McQuillan said, “Please join us in celebrating all those who willingly support and engage in local and regional community service. Their efforts to network and collaborate are creating opportunities and positively impacting our community.”

The parade route will form up and originate at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. The route will proceed on Grand Avenue (Morgan County Fairgrounds gate) headed east on West State Street, around the square, exit on North Main, and disperse at Douglas Ave.

On the morning of the parade, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 9:45 a.m.  Registration entry point is on Westgate and Horsebarn Road at the Southwest Gate of the Morgan County Fairgrounds. Parade lineup numbers will be assigned the day of the parade. The order of the parade line up is determined by the order in which entrants check in with registration staff; the first checked in will be the first placed. Lineup will be along Grandstand Road on the fairgrounds. Floats and long vehicles must arrive by 9:00 a.m. One person with each entry is required to check in to receive a parade number and last minute information. For entries with multiple vehicles, all vehicles must check in together.

Anyone who hasn’t pre-registered for the parade cannot be guaranteed a place in the parade, but may be offered an opportunity to form up at the end of the parade.

All vehicles and drivers must be properly insured. Drivers must be 25 years old or older and have a valid driver’s license. Registrants must abide by any public health or safety guidelines of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville or local authorities.

The deadline for pre-registering is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026. Parade entrants can register online or find registration forms to download at https://jacksonvillerotary.org/independence-day-parade. Questions may be directed to (217) 370-2145 or july4parade@jacksonvillerotary.org.