No celebration of community heritage would be complete without a parade, and the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival's annual parade has become one of the most anticipated events of the festival weekend. Drawing spectators from throughout southeastern Michigan, the parade winds through the historic streets of Ypsilanti.
Since the earliest days of the Heritage Festival, the parade has served as a visual celebration of everything that makes Ypsilanti unique. What began as a modest procession has grown into a major event that attracts thousands of spectators who line the parade route, waving flags, cheering for their favorite entries, and celebrating the spirit of community.
The parade embodies the festival's founding mission: bringing together diverse community members to celebrate shared heritage while creating new traditions for future generations.
The Heritage Festival Parade features a diverse array of participants representing all aspects of the Ypsilanti community:
Local high school and community marching bands provide the soundtrack for the parade, filling the streets with music that gets spectators clapping and dancing. The musical performances range from traditional march music to contemporary favorites.
Elaborately decorated floats from businesses, organizations, and community groups serve as mobile works of art, each telling a story about their sponsors and often incorporating the parade's annual theme.
More than 50 community organizations participate in the Heritage Festival, and many march in the parade, giving visibility to their missions and inviting community members to learn about their work.
Vintage and antique vehicles, dance troupes, equestrian units, costumed characters, and local dignitaries add variety and excitement to the procession.
The parade route takes participants through the heart of Ypsilanti, passing by historic buildings and landmarks that connect the celebration to the city's rich past. The route is designed to provide excellent viewing opportunities while showcasing the beautiful architecture and streetscapes that make Ypsilanti's historic districts so special.
According to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Ypsilanti's historic districts contain some of the finest examples of 19th-century architecture in the state, providing a fitting backdrop for a heritage celebration.
Interested in being part of the parade? Community groups, businesses, and organizations are welcome to apply to participate. Whether you want to create a float, march with your organization, or showcase a unique entry, the parade committee welcomes inquiries from groups who want to contribute to this beloved tradition.
Participation requirements and application deadlines are announced each year as festival planning progresses. Check the festival website and social media for announcements about parade registration.
The Heritage Festival Parade is more than colorful entertainment; it's a statement about community identity. As participants and spectators come together along the route, they affirm their connection to Ypsilanti and to each other. The parade celebrates not just the heritage of the past but the living community that continues to create new chapters in Ypsilanti's story.