Entries are being accepted for the Grand Old 4th of July parade on Bainbridge Island, which didn’t take place the past few years due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The BI chamber event will follow whatever COVID guidelines are in place at the time.

The mile-long parade features floats, bands, organizations, businesses and more – somewhere around 100 units. Entry fees are $60 for commercial and political; $40 for nonprofits; $10 discounts for chamber members. Early bird fee through June 17; after that a $5 late fee is added. Entries on day of parade are not accepted. Military is free.

Other rules include: no throwing of candy for safety reasons; no squirting of water; maximum number of 60; only 1 minute performances allowed before the three announcing stands to keep event moving.

After June 17, entries will be charged an extra $5.00. Entries received after June 24 may be placed at the end of the parade and may not be read by the announcer.

On July 4 one member of your group must check in at the Registrar’s Desk at the Bainbridge Island Library between 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. to sign in and pick up your Parade Permit/Entry Number. A Parade Official will direct you to your place in the parade staging area. Staging Areas are labeled “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”. The parade begins at 1 p.m. Be in position with all participants by 12:30 p.m.