Arlington Independence Day Parade: Patriotism and Pageantry

From 1950 to 1970, Arlington experienced unprecedented growth. The population in 1950 was 7,692; by 1970, it was 90,643. Yet, as the city transformed, there was a growing desire for community spirit. With a nod to Arlington’s small-town roots, the first Independence Day Parade was in 1965. What started as kids on bicycles in a city park became a full display of patriotism and pageantry. Now the longest-running annual event in Arlington, the parade draws over 75,000 spectators and 100+ entries.