The New Hope Firecracker Parade is scheduled for the afternoon of July 4 in the Town of New Hope. Starting from a field across from North Lake Road on County T north of Highway 161 shortly after 1:15 p.m., the parade’s route meanders through the countryside to the west of County T, ending at the South New Hope Church at about 2 p.m. where entries are judged by a crack panel of experts.

It is an opportunity to be creative with costumes and decorations for any conveyance — bikes, wagons, tractors, lawn mowers, boats, cars, and more.

Over the many years of the event, there have been some very memorable entries that have entertained the spectators including short skits, song and dance routines, tuba and kazoo bands, and a fisherman’s precision drill team.

The parade is open to family and friends both young and old and is held rain or shine unless there is lightning or unsafe conditions. In recent years, the spectators have hoped to have more entries vying for the coveted paper plate awards presented after the judges make their decision.

Parade participants. Please gather in the field across from North Lake Road off County Road T, north of Highway 161. (The entry way will be marked.) Please gather by 1:15 p.m. to be ready to leave the field to start the parade. The parade route starts at County T and goes south to turn right onto South Lake Road and then meanders south and west and turns left on to Lake Drive South. At Trout Creek Road, the parade turns left again and proceeds on Trout Creek Road to the South New Hope Church area for judging and the waiting crowd of spectators.

Parade participants have an opportunity to “practice” along the parade route for any observers on South Lake Road. Immediately following the parade, the judges will confer to determine the recipients of the coveted paper plate awards. Parade Marshall Terry Ludeman will announce and present the awards.

Parade observers. The goal is to have the parade reach the South New Hope Church area by about 2 p.m. In the meantime, it is a great opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors. A porta-potty is available on the grounds of the church. There will be refreshments available for purchase by the South New Hope Church Cemetery Association. The church is a local treasure that is on the Wisconsin Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. While you wait for the parade to arrive, please take this opportunity to see the improvements and work the South New Hope Church Cemetery Association has done to preserve this beautiful, historic landmark.

Entries in the annual New Hope Firecracker Parade run the gamut of creativity, originality, and fun.