This year marks our 67th Anniversary! The parade will start promptly at 11am on July 4th.
The History of the Parade
The parade began in 1959 when a couple of local Key Biscayner’s, Tommy Sikes and Arthur Yehle got together and decided to ask a few friends if they would like to march around the streets of the Key in celebration of the 4th of July. Tommy put together some of the local musicians and started up a marching band called “The Chowder Chompers”, thus named for their love of the local conch. They marched through the streets wearing paper hats, playing misfit instruments and pulling a cooler of beer behind them. The children of the Key decorated their bikes and rode along with them.
As the years progressed, the parade organization grew and now, over 65 years later the parade sports approximately 55 entries and costs around $70,000. It has been referred to as “The Best Lil’ Hometown Parade in South Florida!”
The “all volunteer” Parade Committee now consists of 23-28 Key Biscayne residents who research and pull in entries from all over South Florida. They sell t- shirts and buttons that are designed each year according to the Parade’s “Theme”, and they put on a fabulous annual 4th of July BBQ, all to raise money to support the parade. However, the majority of the monies needed to put on a parade of this magnitude come from the generous sponsorships of our own local businesses and residences. Lets keep this wonderful tradition alive so our children, grand-children and great grand-children will have a better understanding of the birth of our great nation……America the Beautiful!
Rules & Regulations
Thank you for participating in the 67th annual Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade, set to take place on Saturday, July 4th, 2025. Your presence and dedication truly make this event a vibrant celebration of our island community.
To ensure a seamless event, we ask that all float participants gather along Fernwood Road in preparation for the parade. It is essential that you align yourselves according to your designated numbers no later than 10 am, as the parade will commence promptly at 11 am. Our diligent Parade Committee members will be at the corner of Harbor Drive and Fernwood Road from 8:30 am onwards to assist you in locating your assigned positions.
We will be posting the line-up on this website the evening of July 3rd, so you will know your line-up number. Please only park at your designated number.
For your convenience, parking will be available at the Key Biscayne Community Church, St. Christopher’s By the Sea, and Key Biscayne Crossbridge Church.
Given the anticipated heat, we want to remind you to stay hydrated and take precautions by bringing sunscreen and bug repellent. We encourage you to dress comfortably in patriotic red, white, and blue colors.
Please be aware that certain items, including confetti, streamers, water balloons, and water guns, are strictly prohibited from the parade. No throwing candy or items from the moving entries. These items need to be thrown from people walking along the sides so the children do not run out into the street.
No plastic water bottles, just canned or boxed water.
Thank you!
