Not Quite Independence Day in Waterbury

2026 Not Quite Independence Day
Theme: American Time Machine

 This year’s parade theme is patriotic, imaginative, and wide open for creative interpretation. We invite parade participants to take a journey through time — from the Revolutionary era to the roaring 1920s, the moon landing, Y2K, today’s innovations, and even visions of America’s future. Whether you’re channeling our founding ancestors, colonial inventors, jazz-age dreamers, civil rights heroes, 1960’s music, or futuristic explorers, your entry can represent any era in our nation’s story. Parade entries will be grouped in chronological order, creating a living timeline of American spirit, progress, and imagination. Costumes, floats, music, and storytelling are all encouraged — the more inventive, the better.

3:00 pm - Food & Beer concessions open

3:45 pm - Green Mountain Mile

4:00 pm - American Time Machine Parade

5:00 pm - Kids activities begin in Rusty Parker Memorial Park

5:30 pm - Parade awards announced!

6:00 pm - Dave Keller Band concert and other activities will be in Rusty Parker Memorial Park

9:00 pm or thereabouts - Fireworks