Salem Extends Heritage Days Parade Registration

SALEM, MA — Salem has extended the registration deadline for the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade on Aug. 1 due to strong community interest.

Registration is now open until 4 p.m. on June 30. Organizers also said registration spots are nearly full and the parade is expected to reach capacity soon.

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"We are thrilled by the overwhelming response from individuals, organizations, and groups eager to be part of this historic celebration," officials said. "If you've been thinking about joining the parade, now is the time to sign up."

Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the city of Salem are inviting businesses, school and parent groups, neighborhood associations, faith organizations, clubs and other community groups to take part.

The parade is intended to be inclusive, with priority given to Salem-based organizations. The city said groups can participate as motorized units, floats, marching units or performance groups. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who do not plan to appear in the parade itself.

"This parade belongs to Salem — all of Salem," Pangallo said. "We welcome every neighborhood, every school group, every organization, every business, and every club to join us on August 1st.

"This is our moment to celebrate the centuries of Salem through the years, and our optimism about the future - and we want every part of our community represented."

The route is expected to run about 1.5 miles from Salem State through downtown Salem and end at Salem Maritime National Historical Park on Derby Street.

The city said all entries must connect to at least one of six official Heritage Days themes outlined in the parade guide. Marching units must have at least five participants and no more than 150. Bicycle groups need at least six participants, while motorcycle contingents need at least four.

Proof of insurance is required for all motorized vehicles and floats.

The parade is designed as a flagship event of Salem’s quadricentennial commemoration.

It is organized in partnership with the city of Salem, Salem Maritime National Historical Park and Salem State University, in collaboration with the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade Planning Committee and the Salem 400+ Working Group.