Pedestrians, bikes, skateboards, golf carts, horses, cars, trucks, boats, floats.... Ocracoke's 4th for July Parade has it all. But it's all up to you! Parade organizers welcome participation from locals and visitors alike. The Ocracoke Independence Day committee would like to encourage everyone to join in the parade and make it a truly spectacular event!
Can you sing, dance, juggle, or otherwise amuse the audience? Bring your best game and entertain us! This is a town that loves to dress up, so show us what you've got!
You can snag a copy of the Parade Registration Form at the Ocracoke Post Office, or request one by emailing info@ocracokevillage.com.
2017 PRIZE CATEGORIES:
To sweeten the deal, there are even CASH PRIZES in all categories!
1st, 2nd, 3rd: Walk and Roll (pedestrians, bikes, skateboards, roller blades, horseback, etc.)
1st, 2nd, 3rd: Wheels (golf carts, cars, classic cars, pick-up trucks)
1st, 2nd, 3rd: Floats (trailer pulled by a truck, or truck with superstructure attached – effort counts!)
In addition, the judges will award the following (entries in any category can win these prizes):
Community Prize (awarded to an Ocracoke community organization or non-profit), Best in Show, and Better Some Best in Show.
OCBA reserves the right not to award the Better Some Best in Show prize unless the judges are really impressed!
The Parade and most Independence Day Celebration events are sponsored by Ocracoke Civic and Business Association, with lots of help from a great group of volunteers. Following our rules helps everyone have a good time!
The Great Ocracoke 4th of July Parade RULES
Please get entry forms in by July 2nd, (if you really can't, you may register on the 4th at the parade line-up between 1–4 pm at the Ocracoke Station)
Please be respectful to others and keep in mind that there will be people along the route who may find distasteful language or displays to be, ummm... distasteful?
Be aware of flag etiquette: if your float includes a U.S. flag, it should be hoisted aloft and flying free. U.S. flag code prohibits using the flag as a costume or draping, or attaching anything to the flag.
Please no water balloons, water pistols, hoses, etc. They are not funny to most people along the route. Everyone has a phone on 'em now....
The Sheriff's Department reminds us that open containers of alcoholic beverages are not allowed in a motor vehicle (including golf carts) – if they have to remind you it gets costly.
Line-up will begin at 3:00pm – please pick up a number at Ocracoke Station (gas station) after 1pm – Line-up is on Hwy. 12 just beyond Ocracoke Oyster Co. Fall in behind Emergency Vehicles and in front of Horses.
Parade begins at 4:00pm.
Judging location will be Corkey's Store. (NEW this year! Please take note!) Salute, bow, etc. Please allow time for judges to get a good look, and display your number.
Judges (5) are selected as best as possible to be non-biased. Judges’ decisions are final... there is always next year.
Prizes will be awarded from the stage at Books to Be Red at 7:00pm. (That's NEW this year, please note!)
Please do not dismantle your floats in the NPS parking lot.
Entries that have not registered will not be judged but are welcome to join our parade.
Have fun, be safe, and be respectful.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU