Anderson Township’s traditional Independence Day Parade, one of the most popular community events of the year, returns to Beechmont Avenue on Saturday, July 3.
The event begins at 10 a.m. at the township’s Operations Center, 7954 Beechmont Ave., and concludes at the Anderson Towne Center, 7500 Beechmont Ave.
The parade was cancelled in 2020 due to state health orders. This year, Anderson Township closely monitored health indicators in recent months before determining the status of this year’s event. Now the township is on a compressed schedule, with safety considerations, to offer this popular community celebration that was missing last year.
“After a challenging 2020, Anderson is looking forward to this summer’s parade,” said organizer Steve Sievers, the assistant administrator for operations. “While we’re not back to ‘normal’, we are hoping that with just a few modifications, the Independence Day Parade will provide a positive, safe experience for the community to celebrate.”
Although mask mandates will be lifted by early June, Sievers noted that only half of Ohio’s citizens have received the vaccination and it is still not available to those under 12 years old. “We urge bystanders and participants to be more aware of crowded situations, and onlookers to spread out along the Beechmont corridor to provide greater distancing.”
Sievers also said the parade will likely be shortened to about 60 entries, to ensure safety in the staging areas. “With fewer participants, we’ll have to be selective,” he said. “We’re looking for potential parade participants to show us their creativity to be selected for this year’s event!”
“It’s just great news that our community can come out and celebrate again together like we have done each July 4th weekend since 2005,” said Trustee Chair Josh Gerth. “I urge everyone to grab their chairs and head out to Beechmont for a morning of community togetherness enjoyed in a safe manner that we have been missing.”
Entry forms can be found online at www.AndersonTownship.org beginning Monday, May 24, or may be picked up at Anderson Center, 7850 Five Mile Road. Entries are due by June 16. More detailed information related to the parade, such as parking locations and key participant information, will be posted on the township’s website by June 28.