City of Lincoln Illinois hosts America's 250th Parade Saturday, July 4

[July 06, 2026]    

On Saturday, July 4th, the city of Lincoln, for the first time, hosted a 4th of July parade downtown in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States of America.

According to Mayor Tracy Welch, the suggestion for a parade came from Lincoln resident Marilyn Craig. She had asked that the city hold a parade honoring the milestone anniversary and drawing attention to the veterans who not only fought for American independence, but also to maintain our freedoms over the last two and half centuries.

The parade began with the Lincoln American Legion Post 263 Color Guard, followed by the Logan County Shriners carrying a huge American flag that has been seen in various parades in years past.

Other highlights of the parade included downtown businesses with their vehicles decorated in red, white, and blue, as well as members from the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club.

One favorite entry featured the entire Hoinacki family handing out chilled bottles of vanilla cold brew from Guest House Coffee and Pastries.

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The Williams family from Small Town Creations were all loaded into a very sharp vintage Chevrolet pickup truck throwing out candy and commemorative bracelets.

Also participating in the parade was Lincoln Tourism, in a golf cart driven by Lexie Groves and her mom Carrie along for the ride.

While the parade was indeed small, it was mighty patriotic. With the past week being really hot, the crowd for the parade was also smaller than usual, but still the section of the route along Broadway Street was well packed.

2026 City of Lincoln America 250 July 4th Parade - Video playlist

[Nila Smith]

 

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