Sioux Falls Reviving Independence Day Parade for 250th Anniversary

Organizers aim to make the annual celebration a permanent tradition.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:53pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a waving American flag in neon shades of red, white, and blue, conceptually representing the energy and celebration of a community parade.The vibrant return of Sioux Falls' Independence Day parade will bring a renewed sense of community pride and patriotism to the city's 250th birthday celebration.Sioux Falls Today

After a four-year hiatus, organizers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota are working to bring back the city's Independence Day parade in time for the nation's 250th birthday. Army veteran Aaron Levisay has been leading the effort, with the goal of making the parade a permanent part of the city's annual Fourth of July observances.

Why it matters

The July 4th parade is a longstanding tradition in many American cities, serving as a community celebration of the nation's founding. Restoring the parade in Sioux Falls will allow residents to come together and mark this historic milestone in the country's history.

The details

The parade will feature Medal of Honor recipient Michael Fitzmaurice as the Grand Marshal, and the local Daughters of the American Revolution will hand out 19,000 American flags to spectators. Organizers are also fundraising to ensure the parade can continue in future years beyond the 250th anniversary.

  • The parade is being planned for July 4, 2026 to coincide with the nation's 250th birthday.
  • The parade has not been held in Sioux Falls for the past four years.

The players

Aaron Levisay

An Army veteran who has been leading the effort to restore the Sioux Falls Independence Day parade.

Michael Fitzmaurice

A Medal of Honor recipient who will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2026 parade.

Daughters of the American Revolution

A local chapter that will hand out 19,000 American flags to parade spectators.

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What they’re saying

“We're just trying to make sure that we have the parade for America's 250th birthday because we think that's really important. But we also want to make sure that it happens every year.”

— Aaron Levisay, Organizer

What’s next

Organizers are continuing their fundraising efforts to ensure the parade can become a permanent annual tradition in Sioux Falls beyond the 250th anniversary celebration.

The takeaway

The return of Sioux Falls' Independence Day parade will allow the community to come together and commemorate this historic milestone for the nation, while also establishing a new longstanding tradition for years to come.