4th of July Parade Packing List

Hey Friends –

It’s almost the 4th of July. Woo Hoo!

One of my favorite traditions is to start the day attending a 4th of July Parade—actually we attend two!

Here are my Top 10 “must haves” when heading to a 4th of July Parade ~

1. Blanket ~ Of course a red, white, or blue blanket works best 🙂

2. Color sheets and Markers ~ We like to grab a parade spot early, so I bring color sheets and markers to keep the kiddos busy while we wait for the parade to start.

You can print color sheets here.

3. Lunch bags (for parade candy) ~ I pack white paper lunch bags for the kids to catch the candy (and markers for the kids to decorate the bags while we wait for the parade to start).

Be sure to bring extra bags…you’ll be surprised at how many extra kids will head your way when they see you having lots of decorating fun!

4. Nail Polish ~ I also pack a bag filled with red nail polish, white nail polish, blue nail polish, cotton balls, and nail polish remover to the parade. I love painting my girls nails/toes before the parade. Yay!

5. Donuts/Drinks ~ OK, you may think I’m crazy, but one year I searched all over town for the most festive 4th of July donuts. I found them!

Now, every 4th of July I get up early, go to my favorite bakery, and buy dozens of cute, colorful donuts. I pack a picnic basket with the donuts, flag napkins, drinks, etc.. and have a “mini tailgate” before the parade. I love it!

We rarely have donuts, so it’s a very special treat for my kids. And I love having extras to share with parade friends!

6. Party supplies (leis, fun sunglasses, hats, etc.) ~ Fun! Fun! Fun!

7. Tattoos ~ Another fun idea for the kids while we wait for the parade to start.

8. Sunblock ~ Not exciting, but definitely an essential!

9. Flags ~ Be sure to have plenty of flags to pass out and wave in celebration!

10. Camera ~You won’t want to miss a moment of the fun!

How do you celebrate the 4th? Do you go to any parades? What’s on your Parade Essentials list?

I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! Have a fantastic 4th of July!

6 Comments

Dina Gmeinweiser on July 3, 2012 at 12:59 pm

We love the 4th of July parade in Canandaigua, NY! Every year we go grab breakfast sandwiches, coffee & juice for the kids along with our chairs and set up on Main St in the shade! Our favorite part is the march of the bagpipers!

Cindy Bultema on July 6, 2012 at 2:39 am

March of the bagpipers? Sounds awesome! WIsh we had bagpipers in our parade! 🙂
Reply

Lacey on July 3, 2012 at 2:55 pm

So what bakery won the Most Festive Donuts award? Please share! 🙂

Cindy Bultema on July 6, 2012 at 2:40 am

For years I’ve found the D&W bakery at Breton Village had the best. This year I was not impressed. 🙁 Might have to try somewhere new for next year. Any suggestions??
Reply

Brenda Yoder on July 4, 2012 at 7:00 pm

Cindy, what great ideas! I love the idea of nail polish and lunch bags. Very fun and practical ideas. I can imagine your kids are making great memories while waiting. A good reminder to make the most of waiting time. Hope you stay cool today! Blessings! Brenda

Toia on July 5, 2012 at 3:05 am

Hope you had blessed 4th of July!! 🙂