The tradition began on July 4, 1844, with the City's first formal observation of America's independence. Since then, the parade has continued uninterrupted earning Racine the title of the oldest parade in Wisconsin and a place among the nations' longest-running 4th of July celebrations.
The parade as we know it today was formally organized since 1937, first as the Goodwill Celebration, then as the 501c3 nonprofit 4th Fest of Greater Racine, Inc.
During peak years, the 4th Fest Parade draws an estimated 100,000 spectators and is the largest Independence Day parade in Wisconsin and the Midwest. In 2008, USA Today named Racine one of the "Top 10 Places to Celebrate the Fourth of July" in the United States - just behind Washington D.C. Again in 2025, Forbes listed the 4th Fest Parade as "One of the Best in the Country".
The parade continues to follow the same historic route, now 2.6 miles, through the heart of the city. It is the 2nd longest parade route in the nation - only surpassed by Alameda, California, at 3.3 miles. Racine's celebration holds other national distinctions as well, including being the only parade in U.S. history to host the sitting Speaker of the House. The parade also hosts the only living memorial floats across three wars (Boys of '76 - American Legion Post 310/Agerholm-Gross Day, #346 - Iwo Jima, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 767).
The 4th Fest Parade is a national treasure, a pillar of American heritage, a symbol of tradition, and a living torch of freedom. It is more than floats and marching bands. It is the heartbeat of patriotism. In the spirit of Independence Day, Racine brings Americans together in pride, gratitude, and unity. It is a reminder of who we are as a people - united, free, and forever committed to celebrating the nation that binds us together.
