City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade
Sat Jul 3, 10:00 AM - Sat Jul 3, 12:00 PM

The City of Fairfax's Independence Day Parade and Fireworks began in 1967. Organized by the Delta Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the parade has developed into the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The parade has all the requisite ingredients for the Fourth of July: marching bands, floats, Shriners' little cars and big motorcycles, old fire engines, clowns, and the scorching sun. The parade has featured flyovers by the Flying Circus Aerodrome — and, in 1996, a hot air balloon race. Historically, the parade has been followed by an Old-Fashioned Fireman's Day, in which area fire companies compete in firefighter-related activities; however, this event is not included in the 2021 celebration.

In the early, small-parade days, the Independence Day festivities could be handled by volunteers, assisted by the city's Public Information Office and supported by such stalwart sponsors as American Legion Post 177 and VFW Blue and Gray Post 8469. During the 1980s, the city Parks and Recreation Department began overseeing the festivities. However, the parade's entrants, sponsors, and community groups continued to grow, ultimately rendering the all-volunteer nature of the parade unfeasible. As a result, in 1990, the Independence Day Celebration Committee (IDCC) incorporated as a non-for-profit organization. The event now receives city funding and staffing assistance from the Parks and Recreation Department.