How to Organize a Presidents Day Parade

Presidents Day is a way to honor both past and current presidents. Originally the holiday was set aside to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who both had February birthdays. The name of the holiday was changed in 1971 and is celebrated on the third Monday in February. Organizing a Presidents Day parade is one way to celebrate the holiday.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Select a route. Determine if the parade will be held on the weekend before Presidents Day or the Monday it falls on. Determine if streets will need to be blocked off.
2. Call your local city hall. Ask what department gives parade permits. Explain whether there vendors will sell merchandise or food. Additional permits may be required. Follow all instructions when applying and be clear the date with those in charge.
3. Contact local business, schools, churches, dance troops and civic organizations. Inform them you are having a Presidents Day parade and are looking for participants. Call schools and inform them you are looking for marching bands and drill teams. Send information to local media to give details on how groups can participate in the parade.
4. Suggest patriot ideas to parade participants. Have those creating floats consider doing a replication of the oval office or Abraham Lincoln reading the Gettysburg Address. Discuss ideas for those marching, such as wearing wigs like George Washington or top hats like Abe Lincoln. Marching bands should play patriotic music.
5. Remember to honor other presidents. Visit websites such as American Presidency and Hall of Presidents to learn about past presidents and incorporate ideas into the parade.
6. Set a deadline for all participants to sign up. This will give you an idea how long the parade will be. Send all participants information on the time they need to be at the starting location.
7. Inform the public about the parade. Call the local Chamber of Commerce and have them include it on their list of events on their website. Send information to local newspapers and television stations that may have a community event calendar.