If you’re looking for a project to get your group noticed, have fun and be eligible for prize money, too, sign up and build a parade entry for O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade. The patriotic Independence Day parade typically draws thousands of families along the two-mile route, and it will get underway in downtown O’Fallon at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.

Clubs, civic organizations, businesses, churches and scout troops wanting to be in the parade can find an application, FAQs, resources and tips posted on O’Fallon’s festival website at www.heritageandfreedomfest.com/parade. (For more information, please contact Jennifer Hoisington at 636-379-5605 or jhoisington@ofallon.mo.us.) Applications are due no later than noon on May 17.

“All parade entries must be decorated, and both businesses and non-profits are eligible for judging,” said Jennifer Hoisington, O’Fallon’s Tourism and Festivals Manager. “The parade theme is ‘Stars and Stripes Forever.’ Judges will be looking for how well the theme is expressed and they will award extra points for entries incorporating music and mechanical movement.”

Prizes of $200 for 1st place and $100 for 2nd place will be awarded to the “Best Musical Float” and the “Most Patriotic Float.” In the “Best Overall” category, 1st, 2nd and 3rdplace winners will receive prizes of $500, $400 and $300, respectively. Mayor Bill Hennessy will present the “Mayor’s Choice Award.” And 1st and 2nd place plaques will go to the “Best Color Guard.”

Volunteers are needed to assist with the parade. To volunteer, contact O’Fallon’s Volunteer Services Department at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.