FLOATS & FIREWORKS IN DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS
What to expect this Independence Day in Downtown St. Louis
Ever since 1878, St. Louisans have gathered downtown on July 4 for America’s Birthday Parade—making it one of the longest-running parades in the United States. In 2023, the parade is the centerpiece of a festive day that closes with a fireworks spectacular at the Gateway Arch.
That first year, about 50,000 spectators showed up along the route. This year, for the parade’s 140th procession, organizers expect hundreds of thousands of visitors on a westbound route from Kiener Plaza (Broadway and Market streets) to Union Station (18th and Market streets). Spectators will be welcomed for the 10 a.m. step-off by the parade’s 138-year-old mascot, Archibald the Eagle, as well as the much younger grand marshal, Chris Hibbard of U.S. Bancorp Investment Inc.
Preparations have been underway for months. Some of the most creative set designers in the region—working at theaters like the Fabulous Fox Theatre and The Muny—have been working on the floats. Dance teams and marching bands have been perfecting their routines. And officials from across the city have been working on logistics like parking, safety and accessibility to ensure the family-friendly parade can be enjoyed by everyone.
For spectators with special needs, there’s a special viewing area where interpreters for the hearing impaired, announcers for the visually impaired and special viewing space for the orthopedically impaired will all be available. These and many more details (including tips for parking and street closures) are covered at the online parade day guide.
If you decide to watch on KMOV Channel 4 instead, you’ll be in good company. Nearly 25% of the U.S. tuned in to the parade last July 4.
The marching bands are a particularly big draw, and the ones who make the cut are some of the best in the region. They’ll be competing for cash prizes of up to $5,000. (Look for last year’s champion O’Fallon Township High School Band to be a strong contender again in 2023—the Marching Panthers are ramping up for a new season after coming off a tremendous finish last fall at the Bands of America Grand Nationals competition.)
Keep an eye out also for the parade’s signature music ensemble: The University Herald Brass is made up of current university brass and saxophone students playing “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
The Fireworks Spectacular
The half-hour fireworks display from barges in the Mississippi River is one of St. Louisans’ favorite July 4 events. In previous years, there have been multiple nights of fireworks along with all-day celebrations as part of Fair Saint Louis. However, the fair is taking 2023 off to focus on a revamp for 2024.
“While we are still early in the planning and development stage, we will usher in a new era for St. Louis entertainment next year, and we see a bright future for the Fair’s revamped offerings that include our area’s civic, business, government and charitable organizations coming together to be a part of something new and exciting for our City,” said Tim Meers, general chairman of Fair Saint Louis.
Visitors to the prime viewing area under the Gateway Arch are encouraged to arrive early with chairs, blankets and picnics (no glass bottles or alcohol) for a relaxing, family-friendly evening. The fireworks start after sundown, around 9:40 p.m. They’ll also be aired live on local TV stations.
Fireworks and Arch photography by Zach Dalin. Parade photography by John Frey.