DC 4.Juli Parade

It is once again time to show your American and German pride at the same time! Walk in the DC Independence Day Parade along with fellow German speakers and celebrate the 4. Juli in style.

Here are some details for the day of the 4th:

I have registered our group under the name "German Meetup" - if you cannot find me upon arrival you can text me (I will send out phone number to all who have RSVPed) or simply go to the registration tent and they will let you know what we will be carrying (I haven't made final assignments yet, so I don't even know!)

This year I have been told that there will not be a security perimeter around the National Mall as in previous years. It is possible that this will change, and if I am told otherwise before the 4th I will contact you. We will all meet at the registration tent on the National Mall on 7th Street NW (the street located between the Hirschorn and the Air & Space Museums). We should be the only tent set up, but if you can't find us just proceed to the area where the balloon are being filled. All volunteers should arrive by 9am - we need you this early so that we can make sure all of the balloons are filled in time (we may even have some people who are not scheduled for balloons assist in this duty.) Please check in immediately upon arrival. The parade begins at 11:45am, and depending on where you are within the parade lineup you will be free to leave between 12:30 and 2:00pm, as soon as your props (flags/balloons) are stowed away properly at the end of the parade.

Chances are that it will be VERY hot on the 4th of July. Please bring enough water to keep you hydrated for the duration of the parade. This includes the time you arrive (while props are being distributed, balloons are being filled, etc...) until you are at the end of the parade route. Dress for the weather in comfortable clothes (no dress code – we will provide a parade T-shirt) and wear comfortable shoes. Don't forget sun block, sunglasses, and hats.
Many streets are blocked during the 4th and parking is scarce, so we ask everyone to take Metro to L'Enfant Plaza. The closest exit from the station is the "7th Street/ Maryland Ave./ Smithsonian Museums exit." Walk north to the entrance to the National Mall at the corner of 7th Street and Independence Avenue, NW. Continue straight on 7th Street until you see our registration tent on the left side of the street.
Even though there will be no security checkpoint, all coolers, backpacks, packages and individuals will be subject to inspection. Please bring identification with you incase you are chosen for a random security inspection. We will not have an area to keep personal items during the parade, so please don't bring many things along with you unless you have people who can hold them during the parade. You will need both hands to carry balloons and flags!
Prohibited Items on the Mall include: glass bottles, firearms and other weapons, fireworks, alcoholic beverages, personal grills, barbeques, and other open flames, canopies or tents.

If you have any additional questions, please let me know. If your availability changes, please let me know as soon as possible.
Thanks and I look forward to seeing you all on the 4th,
Kaela Bench