Sign-ups open for Fourth of July parade on islands
Registrations are being accepted for this year’s Annual Independence Day Parade on Sanibel.
Taking place on July 4 starting at 9:30 a.m., the parade will follow its regular route, beginning at the corner of Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle Way and traveling east to Casa Ybel Road. Line up will be between 8 and 8:30 a.m. on Island Inn Road, with entries arriving after 8:45 a.m. put at the line’s end.
Organized by the Friends of Don, the theme for 2026 will be “America 250.”
The parade categories include: Best Float — Commercial, Best Float — Not-For-Profit, Most Patriotic, Best Original Design and Best Music. Entry fee is $15 for non-commercial and $30 for commercial.
Each entry fee is for a maximum of three vehicles.
Participants are encouraged to sign up early as starting position is based on registration.
Entry forms and payments must be received before June 29 at 2 p.m.
A mandatory parade meeting is set for July 1 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Bank of the Islands, at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Each participant must send a representative to one of the meetings.
In addition, the 2026 parade shirts are available for purchase at the bank.
For the entry form or more information, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/DocumentCenter/View/3105/FINAL-Entry-Form-2026?bidId=.
For questions, contact Friends of Don President Trish Phillips at 239-246-2981.
To reach STAFF REPORT / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email