This year’s parade theme is “Wish You Were Here For Bethany in Bloom.” The Grand Marshal is Bethany Beach horticulturist Melinda Linde. 

Our celebration events are as follows: 
- Noon: The parade steps off at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Garfield 
Parkway. 
- 2 p.m.: Horseshoe-throwing contest at the southwest corner of the Christian Church grounds. This year there are two categories for participants, professional and amateur. 
- 7:15 p.m.: Award ceremony will be held at the Bandstand. 
- 7:30 p.m.: The Milford Community Band performs on the Bandstand.
- Dusk: Fireworks start.

The parade will feature six marching bands: The 287th National Guard Army Band, The Tidewater Brass Band, The Delmarva Bag Pipe Band, The Chester County Emerald Society Pipe Band, The Delaware Militia Fife & Drum and The Trilby String Band (Mummers). 

There will also be eight entertainment groups on trucks and marching units. They are as follows: 

- German Oompah Band on Horse Wagon 
- Nautical Sounds on Town Trolley 
- Oxford Brass Band on Miken Builders
- Back Bay Strummers on Complete Tree Care 
- Milford Community Band on Lord's Landscaping 
- The Honeycombs on Hocker's G&E Truck
- Paddlewheel Strutters on Complete Tree Care

There is no pre-registration for floats and bikers. Registration will be held the day of parade from 9-11:30 a.m. The registration desk for floats will be located on Route 1 and Central Avenue. The location of the bike registration will be located on the Christian Church Grounds adjacent to the Christian Church building. 

Additional efforts to support the Fourth of July Parade are:
The annual sale of the official Bethany Beach Parade T-shirts. Designed by Jennifer Carter.. They will also be sold the morning of the parade at the Christian Church grounds. Purchase early as popular sizes do sell out. You can order T-shirts in advance by calling Mary Rossi at 302-539-2805.