The Takoma Park Independence Day Committee is launching a new grant program this year, which will provide up to $500 to community members who have a new, exciting idea for Takoma Park’s 2024 Fourth of July Parade.
Anyone with an idea is encouraged to apply. All ages, individuals and groups are eligible, and applicants do not need to be from Takoma Park.
The committee is looking for a “weird and wonderful” addition to the parade. Former parade entries span from human-sized motorized cupcakes to dance routines with push-mowers. Ideas do need to be Fourth of July themed.
“That’s something that I think is really neat about the parade,” president of the Takoma Park Independence Day Committee Tara Egan said. “It’s really just a celebration of all the different kinds of creativity in a community.”
The request for proposal is intended to help those who have an idea but may not have the means to achieve their vision. The application is due May 22.
This year’s theme is “Harmony in Takoma Park.” The parade will be on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will loop through downtown Takoma Park.
Later in the evening, the Fourth of July Street Party will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Maple Avenue in front of Piney Branch Elementary School. The street party will feature live music, food trucks, kid’s activities and a beer and wine garden.
“It’s nice to have a place close to home to go on the Fourth of July rather than getting into the madness of going down to the mall,” Egan said.
Photos Courtesy of Tara Egan