The parade, one of the most popular events in the community, draws audiences from throughout the area to help celebrate small-town America in a big way. Thousands of people begin to line the streets in the early morning of July 4 while many city residents begin to prepare for a full-day of family and friends celebrations the night before. Spots along the route are claimed early with blankets and chairs to ensure a good viewpoint.
Miss Michigan Maya Schuhknecht will be among the parade celebrities celebrating Independence Day along with Mrs. Michigan and Junior Teen Michigan. Paws from the Detroit Tigers will be waving to the crowds along with multiple other well-known figures. State, county and local officials traditionally appear in the parade and this year well-known actor Hill Harper from CSI:NY and The Good Doctor will experience the Northville Independence Day Parade as he joins the lineup of floats.
The parade is organized by the Northville Chamber of Commerce and planning for the major event begins almost immediately after the last fire truck in the parade returns to the station.
Organizing and scheduling the floats, bands, community groups, churches, elected officials and local businesses appearance is a monumental task.
This will be the fifth year the chamber has taken on responsibility.
The parade will step off from Northville Downs where entries are organized and staged at 10 a.m. and march through the downtown streets for about an hour.
