ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - For the first time since 2019, one of the longest-running parades in the U.S. will return to Downtown St. Louis. The organizers of America's Birthday Parade announced on Tuesday that the event will be back on July 3, after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled it in 2020.
As a special nod to other parades the city has lost in the last year and a half, elements from the St. Patrick's Day, Annie Malone and PrideFest parades will be included in this year's parade. It will begin at 10 a.m., near the Old Courthouse and Kiener Plaza. It will march west to 18th and Market Streets near Union Station.
The parade will follow the federal, state and local restrictions in place around social distancing and face masks. Organizers say to check their website the week of the parade for the latest guidelines.
This year's theme is "America the Beautiful" and it will feature nearly two dozen floats, 14 local and national marching bands, and more than 250 dancers, as well as antique fire engines, giant helium balloons, and musical performances by Audri Bartholomew of “The Voice,” SJ McDonald of “American Idol” and the Red and Black Brass Band. The parade is free to attend, but will also be shown live on KMOV.
“We are so excited to bring the America's Birthday Parade back this year,” said City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “It makes me proud that they're bringing together other organizations who had to cancel their own parades, leading with a spirit of collaboration that St. Louis and the whole country can appreciate. I encourage everyone to celebrate however they feel comfortable, and to consider the health and safety of their fellow paradegoers as they come together Downtown to celebrate."
America’s Birthday Parade is celebrating its 138th event this year. It first took place on October 8, 1878, and was sponsored by the Veiled Prophet Organization, a group of civic-minded businessmen who aimed to promote the City of St. Louis.
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