Westerville Students Invited to Design 2026 Independence Day Parade Theme

Rotary Club of Westerville contest offers $100 prize and parade float ride for winning student.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Rotary Club of Westerville is hosting a contest for local elementary students to submit a theme for the city's 2026 Independence Day Parade. The winning student will receive $100 and get to ride on the Rotary's float in the parade with a friend or family member. Classes with 100% participation will also be entered into a drawing for a classroom pizza party.

Why it matters

The annual Independence Day parade is a beloved community tradition in Westerville, drawing thousands of residents. Engaging local students to design the parade theme helps foster civic pride and a sense of ownership in the event.

The details

Students can fill out an entry form on the Rotary Club of Westerville's website to submit their patriotic parade theme ideas. The winning theme will be selected by a panel of judges and announced in the spring of 2026, several months before the July 4th parade.

  • The 2026 Independence Day Parade will take place on July 4, 2026.
  • The deadline for students to submit their parade theme ideas is March 31, 2026.

The players

Rotary Club of Westerville

A local community service organization that has organized Westerville's annual Independence Day parade for decades.

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What’s next

The winning parade theme will be announced in April 2026, giving the Rotary Club time to incorporate the student's design into the parade's planning and execution.

The takeaway

By engaging local students, the Rotary Club is fostering a sense of community ownership and pride around Westerville's Independence Day celebration, helping to ensure the parade remains a cherished tradition for years to come.