Wasilla's annual 4th of July parade featuring new route

WASILLA — The City of Wasilla's annual Fourth of July Parade will feature a new route this year.

According to Wasilla Museum and Visitor Center curator Bethany Buckingham, the new route is designed to help with the overall flow of the parade and float staging.

“We're hoping it makes for a faster, easier check in," Buckingham said.

According to Buckingham, the parade emcee table will now be located near the Honor Garden and the Charters of Freedom Dedication which are bronze plaques of the United States Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

“We thought it was very fitting as we honor our military, our first responders, and our founding fathers which ties in with the whole meaning of the day,” Buckingham said.

The theme for this year's parade is: “Celebrating the Spirit of Wasilla, 50 Years of Service to the Community.”

Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford issued several statements regarding the upcoming parade and the historical significance of “the community coming together to celebrate.”

“The Wasilla 4th of July Parade represents the Spirit of Wasilla,” Ledford said.

Each year, the Mayor's Picnic is held after the parade which features vendors, family activities, live music thanks to the annual Music in the Park summer series, and an abundance of free hot dogs.

“We handed out over 3,000 hotdogs last year,” Ledford said. “It is always great seeing the community members volunteering to make this a great event for everyone.”

The Fourth of July Parade is the largest community gathering held in Wasilla. According to Ledford, over 13,000 people attended the 2024 parade and subsequent Mayor's Picnic.

“It keeps getting bigger every year,” Ledford said. “We look forward to seeing you along our new parade route this year.”

Buckingham said the Fourth of July Parade is one of the longest held traditions in Wasilla that many people get excited about each year. She said it's become one of the staples of the summer experience in the community.

“We can count on the 4th of July parade being in Wasilla,” Buckingham said.

For more information, visit cityofwasilla.gov.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com