10:00 am Parade (9:30 Line-up)
Fill up your wagon, tie up your blue and red shoelaces, hop on your bike, or start your tractor! We look forward to another small-town 4th of July celebration in downtown Lake Elmo.
Schedule & Event Map | Detailed Parking, Route, Detour Map (Download) | Volunteer Information | FAQs
History of the Parade
2026 will mark the 38th year of The Lake Elmo Kids 4th of July Parade. The parade started with a handful of children parading up Lake Elmo Avenue to celebrate our independence and has grown to include over 1,000 kids of all ages. Connect Lake Elmo is honored to carry on this special tradition in partnership with the Lake Elmo Rotary, the City of Lake Elmo, the Lake Elmo Fire Department, the Washington County Sheriff, and other members of the community. Thank you to our partners who work diligently to provide a safe, meaningful, and fun day for the community.
2026 Kids Parade
Post-Parade Activities
Post-Parade Activities
10:00 am Parade Start
- Please line up by 9:30 on Layton Ave N off of County Rd 14 (by the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center) - This is the only access point for motorized vehicles.
- Review the MAP for parking, route, and street-closure information.
- This is a parade for kids of all ages - Please help us keep this young-hearted tradition alive for our
10:00 am Parade Start
- Please line up by 9:30 on Layton Ave N off of County Rd 14 (by the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center) - This is the only access point for motorized vehicles.
- Review the MAP for parking, route, and street-closure information.
- This is a parade for kids of all ages - Please help us keep this young-hearted tradition alive for our community.
- Commercial, political, and organized groups are NOT allowed to advertise their cause in any manner in the walking parade.
- Still have questions? Check out our FAQs so you are ready to go on the 4th!
Post-Parade Activities
Post-Parade Activities
Post-Parade Activities
10:15 - noon | Lion's Park
- Ice Cream Social (Lake Elmo Rotary)
- Fire Trucks (Lake Elmo Fire Department)
- Live Music
- Face Painting (Growing Explorers Learning Center)
- Flag Giveaway with Patriotic Kenny and American Flag Co.
- Minnow Races (Primrose School of Lake Elmo)
- Dunk Tank (Lake Elmo Creamery)
- Crafts (Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Cen
10:15 - noon | Lion's Park
- Ice Cream Social (Lake Elmo Rotary)
- Fire Trucks (Lake Elmo Fire Department)
- Live Music
- Face Painting (Growing Explorers Learning Center)
- Flag Giveaway with Patriotic Kenny and American Flag Co.
- Minnow Races (Primrose School of Lake Elmo)
- Dunk Tank (Lake Elmo Creamery)
- Crafts (Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center)
If your Lake Elmo business is registered with Connect Lake Elmo, please contact us if you would like to sponsor a post-parade activity.
Get Involved!
Post-Parade Activities
Get Involved!
Can you help us out and volunteer your time or talent?
A variety of planning tasks and short volunteer shifts are available to make this event possible. Check out the options that work best for you! VOLUNTEER ROLES
If you wish to donate to continued community events and engagement opportunities in Lake Elmo, please consider a 'Neighbor'
Can you help us out and volunteer your time or talent?
A variety of planning tasks and short volunteer shifts are available to make this event possible. Check out the options that work best for you! VOLUNTEER ROLES
If you wish to donate to continued community events and engagement opportunities in Lake Elmo, please consider a 'Neighbor' sponsorship of $50. Your name will be listed on our sponsorship page!