On July 4th each year, Willimantic celebrates Independence Day with Connecticut’s Unique People’s Parade. You’ll find colorful floats, participants in costume, and plenty of boom boxes, but you won’t see a single marching band. Full of spirit and fun, this celebration is world famous for its unique spin on a traditional event. Let’s take a look at the Willimantic Boom Box Parade.

In 1986, no marching band could be found to play in the town's annual Memorial Day Parade. Just five weeks later the idea of the boom box parade started a new and funky tradition for Willimantic.
Facebook/WILI Boom Box Parade
Local radio station WILI (1400 AM) plays marching band music over the air during the parade. Participants and spectators tune into the station all playing the same parade music over boom boxes and car radios.
Facebook/WILI Boom Box Parade
Wayne Norman, the early morning D.J. for the radio station, is the parade's Grand Marshal each year.
Facebook/WILI Boom Box Parade
There is no theme for the parade. You'll find floats decorated with everything from frogs to flags.
Facebook/WILI Boom Box Parade

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The stunning array of parade floats gets more elaborate each year.
Facebook/WILI Boom Box Parade
Anyone can march in the parade as long as they are festive. Wear some red, white, and blue and don't forget your boom box.
Facebook/WILI Boom Box Parade
Strut your stuff and show off your talents. This celebration is all about self-expression.
Facebook/WILI Boom Box Parade
The WILI Boom Box Parade will take place on Wednesday, July 4th beginning at 11 a.m. This is one celebration in Connecticut that you don't want to miss.
Facebook/WILI Boom Box Parade
For more information or to see photos from past parades, check out this fun-filled event on Facebook.

Have you ever watched the Willimantic Boom Box Parade? What are your plans for this 4th of July?

If you still aren’t sure how to celebrate Independence Day, check out the best fireworks displays going on around the Nutmeg State.

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