Grinnell on the Fourth

Overview

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Grinnell! A community-favorite for residents and visitors alike, participate in the annual parade and take in the fireworks! This year’s festivities are sponsored by: Mahaska Communication Group, Clarity Eyecare, Grinnell Mutual and Oakland Acres Golf Club.

This year’s Grand Marshal nominations are officially open, with nominations due on the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce website on Friday, June 12. Nominations should explain why an individual, group, or organization should be honored as a grand marshal and include specific examples and information about their contributions to the local Grinnell community. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations. For those wishing to complete a paper copy of the nomination form, the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 833 4th Ave., Grinnell, IA, has paper copies of the nomination form.

Submit a nomination!

List of Festivities

The Grinnell Chamber, Mahaska Communication Group, Clarity Eyecare, Grinnell Mutual and Oakland Acres Golf Club, present this year’s schedule of activities:

9:30 AM-12 PM: Grinnell Farmers Market, presented by Grinnell Mutual.

Grab some vegetables to grill or purchase baked delights and July on the Fourth themed crafts.

5 PM: Parade

Watch fun floats of your favorite businesses and organizations. Route will run from Hamilton north on Broad St. to 10th Ave. east to Penrose.

6 PM: Dinner in Grinnell

After the parade, dine at local establishments or enjoy food trucks at Ahrens Park.

7 PM: Veterans Memorial Monument Dedication

Join for a ceremony at Central Park featuring the playing of the National Anthem and a concert from Iowa Brass.

9:45 PM: Fireworks

Enjoy a beautiful sparkling light show near dusk at Ahrens Park.

View more July 4 activities on the Grinnell Chamber Calendar and scrolling to July 4, 2026.

Parade Float Registrations

The Grinnell on the Fourth Parade is scheduled to begin at 5 PM on Saturday, July 4, with float line-ups beginning at 3:30 PM. Currently, the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce is seeking registrations for parade floats, due by noon, Thursday, July 2, 2026, on the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce website or through a paper copy at the Chamber office. There is no cost to enter a float in the parade; all entries must be registered in advance to participate.

Register your parade float!

Volunteer and Advertising Opportunities

The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce is also recruiting volunteers to help organize the parade line-up. Those interested in volunteering in this year’s parade are encouraged to contact the Chamber office, 641-236-6555, or email events@getintogrinnell.com. Volunteers are needed to help organize the parade line-up between 3:30-4:50 PM, but will be free to watch the parade!

Grinnell on the Fourth is supported by Mahaska Communication Group, Clarity Eyecare, Grinnell Mutual and Oakland Acres Golf Club. Additional businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring parade festivities should contact the Chamber office, 641-236-6555, or email events@getintogrinnell.com. 

Event Sponsors

With Support From:

Become a Sponsor

Maximize your summer reach by promoting your business as part of the beloved Grinnell on the Fourth festivities! This community favorite event offers a premier marketing platform, and gives your business recognition without having to beat the heat.

Marketing and Communications Statistics for 2025

• Facebook Marketing (5,551 followers): 
  • Average views: 9408
  • Average reach: 4517 accounts
• Instagram Marketing (1,853 followers):
  • Average views: 1379
  • Average reach: 537 accounts
• General Communications:
  • Grinnell Herald-Register mentions: 4
  • Community Newsletter mentions: 3

Sponsorship Opportunities