The Columbia Lions, in conjunction with the Town of Columbia, will be conducting the annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The parade route will begin at the intersection of Route 66 and Schoolhouse Road. The parade starts at 10 AM sharp! The route follows Route 66 traveling west, makes a right turn onto Route 87, and ends at Lake Road. Please be advised that road closures will be in effect at 9:30 AM on the morning of the parade. This is to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators. Expect delays if you are traveling on either Route 66 or Route 87 the morning of the parade. There will be detour signs to assist if you need to travel around the parade route. These closures will be from 9:30 AM to approximately 11 AM, depending upon the number of participants, marching units, floats, etc.
There will be limited public parking at Horace Porter School and Town Hall. At Horace Porter you will be guided by Lions to the lower soccer field. This includes those marching in or viewing the parade. Again, with the advice that the roads leading into the parade area will be closed at 9:30 AM. Anyone who wishes to park at the school or town hall must be at those locations prior to 9:30, or you will not get in.
And, of course, the Lions are still accepting float or marching groups to participate! If you belong to a civic group, or your family/neighbors would like to get together to enter a float, we would love to have you! The theme for this year is “America Celebrating 250 Years." The possibilities to represent this theme are nearly endless! You could choose a moment in our history, a famous American, an era—the list is nearly endless! The floats will be judged, with one winner of “Best Float” being awarded $300! Please contact Parade Chairman Lion Jim Blair at columbiactlions [at] gmail.com (columbiactlions[at]gmail[dot]com) to get more info or to register.
Finally, as we wish everyone a spectacular Independence Day and celebrate the birth of the greatest nation on earth, we also wish for everyone to be safe, kind, and respectful. Participants will be asked to ensure all candy thrown reaches the sides of the street so children aren’t tempted to dart in front of the moving vehicles. Participants and those viewing are also asked to observe caution when using water to spray crowds, recognizing water-free zones on the green and in front of Yeoman’s Hall. Absolutely no water balloons allowed! One final reminder: Route 66 at both Hennequin and Old Willimantic Roads, and Route 87 at both Whitney and Route 66, Lake Road at Hennequin Road will be closed for the duration of the parade beginning at 9:30 AM the morning of the parade. There is no parking on Lake Road from Route 87 to Hennequin Road, as all parade traffic terminates there.
The Columbia Lions want to thank the Town of Columbia and all its citizens for your continued support!!