This year’s Fourth of July parade will be at noon Sunday, July 3, on Main Street downtown Stevens Point.

While the Fourth of July falls on a Monday, which is recognized by most employers as a holiday, the parade annually coincides with Riverfront Rendezvous, so the Association of Downtown Businesses (ADB) chose the last day of the festival to hold the parade.

There is still time to register for the parade. Registration cost for ADB members is $25 while nonmembers’ cost is $75. The cost for nonprofit organizations cost is also $25. Parking on Main Street is prohibited July 3.

Trailers and semi-trucks are prohibited in the parade, but despite that restriction, various businesses are planning for the floats, and there are many ideas that have come to the forefront, ADB officials said.

“It’s a fun event, to get our name out in the community and to show our support for the community,” said Jessica Bielen, events coordinator for the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum (CWCM).

The CWCM has participated in the parade annually for the past five years, she said, and staff members are looking forward to showing their spirit again this year. Last year, they created a float with a theme of “Down on the Farm.” This year, the choices were narrowed to two early this week.

While some organizations and businesses spend a lot of time decorating their float, other groups will march, like gymnastics groups who also do some performing while in the parade. Other groups hand out materials that tell a little bit about their organization like Meals on Wheels, a private not-for-profit group that serves food to the elderly. The organization this year will have a convertible with signs on and children handing out candy.

Candy is allowed during the parade, but it must be handed out specifically to those in attendance; throwing candy into the crowd is prohibited due to safety.

Other organizations that had committed early this week to being involved in the parade this year are the Stevens Point Noon Optimists Club, Square Scoops, Monarch Aerial Arts and the Stevens Point FFA.

For more information or to register, visit downtownstevenspoint.org.