ROCKWALL – As many as 80 entries are expected to participate in the 2014 Rockwall 4th of July Parade July 4 at 11 am, at Utley Middle School, presented for the third year in a row by The Rockwall News.
An estimated 5,000 people watched the parade with over 40 entries last year, including the Rockwall High School Orange Wave Band, elected officials, and a wide variety of other entries. An even larger number of people are expected to watch the longer parade this year.
Businesses, non-profit organizations, churches, schools, youth programs entertainers and individuals are encouraged to enter floats, vehicles, ride or walk in the parade. Participants can throw out candy, beads, coupons and other advertising novelties to parade watchers.
The parade route will be essentially the same as last year, with one difference. The parade will start from the RISD football stadium parking lot exit – rather than the road next to Utley – head north on TL Townsend past the Rockwall County Jail, continue north past the big shade trees on Clark St. and end at Dobbs Elementary School.
Former Houston radio station personality Gary Freedman will again announce the parade from out front of the RISD Aquatic Center parking lot.
The entry fee for the parade is $40 for businesses and $20 for others. Those who want to participate must contact organizer J.J. Smith to register and pay their fee before the day of the parade at 214-317-1718 or jj@myrockwallnews.com.
By J.J. Smith