CALLING ALL 2026 PARADE PARTICIPANTS
Participant Information
On Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 11 am to 12:30 pm the LAX Coastal Chamber will present the 26thAnnual Fourth of July Parade. We are looking for engaging and interactive floats/entries to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation and celebrate our beloved community. This year’s theme is “250 Years of American Dreams”.
The parade theme “250 Years of American Dreams” celebrates the enduring spirit of hope, ambition, and opportunity that has shaped the nation since its founding, which can be brought to life through a wide range of inspiring float ideas. Alongside a sports-focused float highlighting global unity through the FIFA World Cup, other concepts could showcase the evolution of the American Dream across different walks of life. An “Adventures in Space Flight” float might feature a tribute to the moon landing and recent Artemis II mission, while a “Voices of Freedom” float could honor the Civil Rights Movement.
Creative ideas could also include an “Innovation Nation” float with American inventions from the telephone, lightbulb, airplane, internet and everything in between; or a “Small-Town Roots” scene with a nostalgic Main Street celebrating community and coming together for a common purpose. A “Cultural Mosaic” float could highlight music, art, dance, and traditions from diverse communities, while a “Future Dreamers” concept might envision tomorrow’s world with flying cars, greater unity, green energy, or breakthroughs in medicine and science that benefit all. Together, these ideas show how the American Dream is not just one story, but millions—each shaped by perseverance, creativity, and the belief in new possibilities. We’re excited to see how you interpret this year’s theme!
In addition to the theme, the parade committee encourages all of our entries to keep the chamber’s core values (trust & respect; welcoming; collaborative; continuous learning and supportive) in mind when creating your entry. We also encourage all of our entries to think about using recycled, recyclable and reusable building materials and incorporating DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) into your entry designs.
We will only be accepting approximately 30 entries in the parade, so be sure your entry stands out! As in years past, we will be including a panel of judges to select the top winners before the parade in the following categories: Best Overall, Spirit of the Parade, Mayor’s Choice and Chairman’s Choice Award.
We strongly encourage all participants to work with this year’s theme! We are looking for entries with entertainment value. Entries with musical entertainment and floats are especially encouraged.
Walking groups (unless you are a returning group like our youth sports entries, etc) will not be accepted. Please include information about all aspects of your entry, such as: musical entertainment, group participation, movement/choreography, and audience participation. Please see Design Requirements and Parade Rules for more details (attached). Remember to have fun, be creative and submit your entry form in a timely manner!
*If you are a new participant that had hoped to sign-up as a walking group, please reach out to the parade committee so we can try to pair you with another organization or find a good fit for participating in this year’s festivities.
MANDATORY GUIDELINES
MANDATORY GUIDELINES
- Submittal of an Entry Form to the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce no later than May 20, 2026.
- Submittal of a signed Waiver of Liability Agreement no later than May 20, 2026.
- Attendance by at least one member of your group at a Pre-Parade Participants’ meeting. The meeting will be held in-person (virtual option available) Monday, June 8, 5:30-6:30 PM No exceptions!
- Agreement to provide banner identification of the participant group to accompany your entry
- $25 Entry Fee for “Non-Profits/Schools” or $500 Entry Fee for “For Profit Businesses” (credit card or check payable to the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, maximum of 5 “For Profit Businesses” will be accepted)
- 100-word writeup about your entry due Monday, June 15 (see participant writeup instructions)
- Please send in your application as soon as you know your group is interested with your entry idea! To make sure we have a wide variety of entries, we may limit floatentry/designs to 1 per category. (For example, one entryon space travel, one entry on
- If you have any questions, please contact Chad Maender, President & CEO at chad@laxcoastal.com or 310.645.5151.
Deadline Checklist
Deadline Checklist
- Entry Application, Signed Waivers and Fee, Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Participation Notification from Chamber Rolling Notification If Rejected
- Participant Writeup, Monday, June 15, 2026
- Participant Meeting, Monday, June 8
Parade Rules
Parade Rules
Before completing the application form, please review the following information regarding parade entries:
- All entry applications (including any required fees and insurance certificates) must be submitted by May 20.
- All participants must be uniformed, costumed or appropriately attired.
- The Parade Committee does not accept entries advocating or representing specific political and social viewpoints, or any campaigning political candidates (standing elected officials are accepted).
- FORWARD motion must be maintained at all times along the parade route.
- AT NO TIME IS ANY UNIT ALLOWED TO THROW ANYTHING ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE! No exceptions.
- No paper flyers, promotional materials or candy may be handed out to the crowd. It slows down the entry and creates excess trash pickup after the event.
- No shooting of firearms, starter pistols, sirens or loud noises that interfere with other entries is permitted.
- All entries must fit a pre-determined classification.
- The Parade Committee accepts no responsibility for false statements made by applicants or entrants.
- All equestrians and motorized entries must supply a certificate of insurance at time of application, valid through July 5.
- Floats must be self-propelled.
- No one under the age of 9 will be permitted to participate without an accompanying guardian.
- Cooperate with instructions from with the parade volunteers and committee members during parade day
- Violations of any of the above rules is grounds for disqualification and removal from the parade, including the disqualification of participating in future parades/events.
- Parade will start promptly at 11:00 a.m.
- All parade entries must have a banner 5’x2’ min. and 8’x3’ max.
- Floats must be in position for judging by 10:15 a.m. For further information, please send an e-mail to info@laxcoastal.com
To help defray our costs, all participants other than musical bands and equestrian units are required to submit an application fee. $25 for “Non-Profits/Schools” or $500 for “For Profit Businesses”
Participant Writeup Instructions
Participant Writeup Instructions
All entrants are required to submit a parade participant writeup no later than Monday, June 15th, 2026. Your writeup is an integral part of the parade and allows the crowd and the community to learn more about your organization. Please take the opportunity to submit a thoughtful and informative writeup, as it will be heard and seen by thousands of community members.
The ideal writeup will have two sections, a mandatory first paragraph designed to be read aloud by the parade announcers, and a second paragraph containing additional details about your organization for the parade program. Although only the first paragraph will be broadcast from the announcer stages during the parade, the HomeTown News will publish both paragraphs in its special parade edition. Both the parade committee and HomeTown News reserve the right to edit scripts for length and clarity, and to ensure compatibility with the spirit of the event.
When composing your writeup, please arrange your facts in descending order of importance, as narratives that take longer than 30 seconds to read are subject to be “cut from the bottom.” Accentuate the local community angle when practical, and be sure to provide pronunciation information if there could be any doubt regarding the correct way to say someone’s name. (After all, the letters “ough” may be pronounced “ow”, “ooh”, “uh”, “uff”, etc.)
Also, in case the parade committee has follow-up questions, please provide contact information along with your writeup.
Some important things to incorporate in your writeup may include:
- The name of your organization.
- How long your organization has been participating in the parade.
- Who is marching and any special guests you might have (principal, mascot, head of organization).
- A brief description of how your float pertains to the parade’s theme.
Sample Writeup
For the past 23 years, Loyola Marymount University has been a proud participant and sponsor of Westchester’s Fourth of July Parade. Their float celebrates the best of our community and our country. This year, they celebrate Howard Drollinger, who was dedicated to serving the community, and his family who have continued in that legacy. Joining the LMU float today are members of the LMU men’s and women’s basketball teams and Iggy the Lion.
LMU is a private Jesuit university with 6,000 undergraduates, 2,200 graduate students and 1,100 law students from diverse backgrounds. Our seven colleges and schools on three campuses boast best-in-the-nation programs in film and television, business, education and more. Our mission is grounded in a centuries-old Jesuit educational tradition that produces extraordinary persons with and for others. Visit lmu.edu for more information. Go Lions!
Float Design Requirements
Float Design Requirements
Due to the growing popularity of the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade, the parade committee is unfortunately unable to accept every entry application we receive. In order to be considered, please ensure that your float follows the following criteria: 1) all entries must be an entertaining float and/or musical entry; 2) musical entries must be a performance, band or provide an adequate sound system (minimum 800W speakers, car radios not acceptable); 3) all entries must have a relation to the parade theme; 4) We encourage our smaller organizations to partner with each other to create outstanding entries.
Float Definition: A float shall be deemed a self-propelled, animal-drawn or motorized vehicle on which the dimension of the outside platform shall not be less than 8’ x 10’. It is to be completely decorated. All visible surfaces must be covered. The maximum dimensions of the float shall not exceed 16’ in height, 16’ feet in width and 35’ in length. No part of the float chassis shall be so low as to stop the float from clearing surfaces and obstacles along the parade route. Whether using tires or casters, in no case shall any portion of the chassis be closer than 8” from the ground when the float is fully decorated and loaded. No part of any overhang shall be designed or built that would, while going through a dip or rise, cause the float to hang up, stop or cause an unsafe situation for the float, operating crew, riders or spectators.
Mechanical Requirements – The towing vehicle, as well as the foundation trailer, must provide access to the tires and have the capability of being lifted, without the need of a tow truck, in the event that a tire change is necessary. Each float and detachable trailer portion of each float must have a 2”, 5000 lb. minimum-rated tow ball located approximately at the front center of the float, no more than 6” off the center. It shall be of one-piece construction and securely attached to an integral structural member of the chassis. Its height shall be such that, with the tow bar attached, accidental disengagement from the towing vehicle cannot occur. Towing connection points shall be visible and accessible without having to remove any portion of the float and shall not be decorated in any way. Satellites (a smaller float attached to the larger float) are not permitted.
*Note – The parade route has low hanging cables crossing the road, several dips in the road at intersections and narrow side streets upon which you must be able to turn onto. Each float must be tested for maneuverability as it will be making several turns on narrow streets, in getting to the parade starting point and along the route itself. It is highly recommended you conduct a site visit with those involved before designing and constructing your float.
Inspection – All floats are subject to inspection and approval by the parade committee. Consider all safety concerns when designing the float. Designs should include the foundation upon which the float will be constructed. Safety is paramount. Floats will be judged on the day of the parade beginning at 10:15 a.m. Floats that do not arrive on time for the judge’s review will not be considered.
Participant Name and Float Theme – The float shall bear the name of the community, organization or business firm entrant. Floats shall be constructed and decorated so that viewing from either side is equally appealing. Advertising as part of the float design is not permitted. It is the intent of the committee to promote the creativity and design ingenuity aspects of its floats, while subduing commercialism. This does not discourage the use of mascots in the parade provided they are used for entertainment purposes and not the distribution of advertising.
*Note – No religious or political-themed entries allowed. We work hard to keep this parade an inclusive event that is fun for the whole family, so please help us celebrate America’s birthday!
Pre-Parade Display – A representative of the float must be present at all times and is responsible for the safe removal of the float from the LMU lot. Floats cannot be dismantled at the LMU parking lot without prior approval from the parade committee.