Bigfork’s Fourth of July parade has marched down Electric Avenue for as long as anyone can remember, and this year promises to be especially memorable, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 125th anniversary of the platting of Bigfork.

The parade’s 2026 theme is American Eras and seeks to capture the trajectory of both the U.S. and Bigfork, offering a chance to reflect on the community’s heritage while looking forward to the future of the village.  

The earliest photos of Bigfork’s Independence Day parade date back to 1924, according to Bigfork Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebekah King, and since then, the event has grown into an annual celebration that draws thousands of people from across the Flathead Valley. 

“Bigfork’s downtown village is just the quintessential spot,” said King. “People are just really drawn to the village, to the heart of Bigfork.” 

This year’s parade is expected to benefit from heightened excitement as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The document, penned by Thomas Jefferson and signed by 56 delegates in Philadelphia, established the foundations of American independence from Great Britain and would go on to shape the framework of the U.S. 

125 years later, on May 17, 1901, in the fledgling state of Montana, the 41st admitted to the union, Everit L. Sliter filed the official plat that outlined his vision for the settlement he christened Bigfork. Though far removed geographically from the original 13 colonies, those early settlers built their village with the same rugged determination that was present in the earliest days of the U.S. 

The parade officially kicks off at noon, with the presentation of colors and singing of the national anthem taking place in front of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts around 12:15 p.m. There will also be a flyover by the 120th Airlift Wing Division of Great Falls. 

Don and Jude Thomson, the driving forces behind the Bigfork Summer Playhouse for more than 60 years, are set to serve as grand marshals for the parade. King said the Chamber board searches for people who made an impact on Bigfork to fill the role, and the Thomsons’ legacy in Bigfork is undeniable. Over the decades, the couple has worked tirelessly to build up the Summer Playhouse program and bring hundreds of people to the village each night. 

More than 4,000 people are expected to flock to Bigfork for this year’s parade, and King said she could not emphasize enough how important it is to plan ahead and arrive early. Parking is available in the field at the intersection of Montana 35 and Montana 82 with a free shuttle service available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be no cars allowed in downtown Bigfork after 8 a.m. There is limited handicap parking available at First Interstate Bank which must be reserved by contacting the Chamber. King recommends planning to arrive before 11 a.m. and said those who try to get on a shuttle after that time are likely to miss the parade.

There will be food trucks and live music from the Fetveit Brothers downtown starting at 10 a.m. and continuing after the parade. 

As with most events in Bigfork, King said the parade is powered by volunteer efforts. Residents serve as parade route marshals and parking attendants, monitor float staging and work to clean up after the event. This year, the Chamber planned to hire paid security along the route, but when that plan fell through, the Somers Fire Department stepped in. 

“They’re coming over to help us, which is pretty cool,” King said. “They’re taking time out of their holiday to help with our parade.” 

The parade wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, and anyone interested in filling open slots can reach out to King at [email protected].  

Above all, King said, the purpose of the parade is to bring unity to the community of Bigfork and to the Flathead Valley. 

“I think what’s going to be different is we’re going to have a lot more people, which means that everyone coming needs to have a lot more grace and remember that we’re here to celebrate the Fourth of July,” King said. “My two biggest things this year are people coming early — and that cannot be emphasized enough — and people showing grace and kindness.” 

The Bigfork Fourth of July Parade takes place at noon on July 4 in downtown Bigfork. For more information or to sign-up as a volunteer, visit bigfork.org/annual-events/fourth-of-july.