Hanover Arts and Activities Center motorized Fourth of July Parade

Our small town still celebrates the Fourth the old-fashioned way—with basset hounds, lawn chairs, and just the right amount of apple pie.

Step into a simpler time this Independence Day as Ashland throws a hometown celebration straight from a Norman Rockwell painting—with a few modern sprinkles on top (VIP seating, anyone?). From non-motorized parades to patriotic pets, here’s your all-American itinerary for July 4th in the Center of the Universe.

🗓️ Ashland’s July 4th Parade & Celebration

📍 Hanover Arts and Activities Center
🕚 Thursday, July 4 · 11 AM–2 PM

It’s giving... red, white, and awe yeah.

📚 9 AM–2 PM – Friends of the Library Book Sale

Friends of the Library Book Sale in the Ashland Branch Library

Thousands of gently loved books, CDs, DVDs, and more—some nearly new, others practically antiques. Proceeds support the Ashland Branch Library!
💚 Pro tip: Swing by closer to 2 PM and snag a whole bag o’ books for just $5.

🥧 9:30–10:30 AM – Apple Pie Drop-Off

Got a crusty creation to enter? Deliver your deliciously patriotic pies to the Hanover Arts tent. Sponsored by our sweethearts at @bravobakeshop!
🥇 Prizes include Best Overall, Most Patriotic, Best Kid’s Pie (under 11), and more. Winning pies will be auctioned to benefit Hanover Arts—so bring your wallet and your appetite!

🎉 10:30 AM – Parade Line-Up at Henry Clay Elementary

Hanover Arts and Activities Center July 4th Parade

🎺 11:00 AM – Parade Steps Off!
The parade marches from Hanover Ave straight into the Center, featuring:

🚲 Patriotic Bikes & Pets
🐶 Basset Hounds Galore
🎷 The Cacophony of the Universe Marching Band
💺 The Famous Lawn Chair Brigade
✨ And YOU! (Sign up here to join in!)

All brigades must be family-friendly and festively patriotic—no politics, no handouts, just star-spangled fun.

👩‍🍳 11–12 PM – Apple Pie Judging

📍 Hanover Arts and Activities Center

🐾 11:30 AM – Pet Costume Contest Check-In

📍 Pet Comfort Station on Cox Lane
Dress your four-legged friends in their most flag-waving finery—judging begins at 12 PM, and winners walk away with prizes from Fin & Feather Pet Store!

🇺🇸 11:45 AM – Presentation of Colors & Patriotic Concert

Let freedom ring! The Hanover Concert Band brings the brass for a heartwarming lawn concert you won’t want to miss.

🍔 12:00 PM – Lawn Party Begins!

Classic games, sizzling food, and hometown hospitality in full swing.

🥧 12:30 PM – Pie & Pet Winners Announced

Winning pies are auctioned off to support the Hanover Arts and Activities Center (bring your checkbooks and your sweet tooth).

🌞 VIP Access: Comfort is Your Independence Day Right!

Hanover Arts members enjoy shaded seating, cozy chairs, and sweet treats inside the VIP retreat. It’s the cool side of July 4th.

🎟️ Become a Sustaining Member and enjoy VIP access to July 4th, Train Day, Off the Rails, and more!
Sustaining Memberships are affordable, meaningful, and monthly—so you can give freedom and festivals to future generations. 👉 Join the movement here and keep the heart of Ashland beating strong.

📣 So gather your red-white-and-true crew, grab your sun hats and sparklers, and spend July 4th the Ashland way—with music on the lawn, pie in your hand, and patriotic pets underfoot.

Because nothing says freedom like a basset hound in a bandana and a homemade pie cooling by the tracks. 🇺🇸🥧🐾