Absolutely. Neenah tarps may be placed for the fireworks beginning July 3rd at 5:00pm. No tarps over picnic tables or park benches. Please leave the boardwalk and sidewalks clear for pedestrians. Tarps that are placed before 5:00pm may be removed so please respect these rules. Menasha Tarps may not be placed until July 4th.

Our celebration is founded on the efforts of many volunteers and community organizations as well as corporate sponsors. We’re able to take advantage of the beautiful parks across Neenah & Menasha to hold many events in multiple locations over the course of these two days.

Almost all of the events and activities are absolutely free. There will be vendors with novelty items, food, and beverages for sale.

Far too many to list here! Check the Festival Events page for a full schedule.

ADA parking is available behind Jefferson School and on Wisconsin Ave.

PARADE 101
What is it? The Parade of Lights is a Neenah/Menasha parade held at night with all units lit up. Anyone can enter. There is no entry fee. The theme is “Patriotism on Parade”.

How do we get started? Form a team. Think about people you like to have fun with. Enter with your church group. Enter with an organization you support. Enter with your co-workers to promote your business or place of work. You can even enter with friends and neighbors!

What do we need? You can enter a float or march as a group. For floats, think about cars, pick-up trucks and trailers…anything on wheels. Think of a Patriotic theme and Decorate – Decorate – Decorate!

Do we need to use lights? Yes! The parade is at night, street lights will be off. Glow sticks and glow jewelry work really well for walking units. Floats and vehicles can use Christmas lights, spot lights or rope lights. These may need to be connected to a generator.

Where can we get a generator? You can get a generator from CommunityFest, at no charge, if you sign up by May 29 (first come first served). The generators are 2000 watt (16 amp capacity).

How about music? Music is highly encouraged! Live music is always a hit, but recorded music works great too!

What is the Parade Route? Click here for parade route.

Any restrictions? Yes. Floats cannot be higher than 14 feet. Candy can be handed out, but NOT thrown from vehicles or floats.

How do we sign up? Click here for a parade registration packet.

Menasha does not allow alcohol carry-ins.

Neenah does not permit alcohol in the parks.

Menasha does not allow dogs/pets in the park on the 4th of July.

Neenah does not allow animals onto park property, with the exception of leashed dogs on roads and trails.

Many different types of food will be sold at each location. Check out the park maps to see which food vendors will be at each location.

July 3rd- Bus shuttle service will be starting in Menasha at 7:00pm on the corner of Mill/Main and Shattuck Park in Neenah at 7:15pm. The bus will be on a half an hour loop with the last pick up at Shattuck Park at 8:45pm returning to Menasha and then done for the evening.

July 4th- Bus shuttle service will begin in Neenah at Riverside Park exit on Wisconsin Ave. at Noon and in Menasha at 12:30pm on Broad & Ice. This shuttle will run on the hour in Neenah and on the half and hour in Menasha ending at 6:30pm.