Waterford Day 2026 Parade Promises a Historic Celebration of Community, Family, and Fun!
WATERFORD, CT – Get ready, Waterford! One of the town’s most anticipated traditions is back, and this year it’s bigger than ever!
The Town of Waterford proudly invites residents and visitors to the 2026 Waterford Day Parade on Saturday, August 8, 2026, rain or shine!
This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as Waterford celebrates its 225th Birthday while our nation commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate our rich history, our vibrant community, and the people who make Waterford such a special place to call home.
The Waterford Day Parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m., beginning at Waterford High School and traveling down Rope Ferry Road before concluding at First Baptist Church.
Thanks to the generous support of our presenting sponsors, Mohegan Sun and Eversource, spectators can look forward to an unforgettable parade featuring well over 100 participating groups from throughout Connecticut and beyond!
This year’s parade will showcase:
- Spectacular marching bands and musical performances
- High-energy dance teams
- Colorful community floats
- Antique vehicles and classic cars
- Race cars
- Horses
- Community organizations
- Local businesses
- Fire and public safety vehicles
- Several beauty pageant titleholders, including:
-
- Miss Connecticut 2026
- Miss Connecticut Teen 2026
- Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2026
- Miss Waterford 2026
- And plenty of surprises along the route!
Leading this year’s celebration will be 2026 Grand Marshal Smitty Beals, recognized for his remarkable 40 years of dedicated service to Goshen Fire Company #3 and the Waterford Fire Department as Fire Police Leader, alongside 2026 Public Service Award recipient Sandy Kenniston, whose more than three decades of outstanding service with the Town’s Department of Public Works have made Waterford a better place for generations. Be sure to give them a big Waterford welcome as they proudly wave to the crowd!
The Fun Starts Before the Parade!
The excitement begins long before the first float rolls down Rope Ferry Road!
From 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., families are invited to enjoy FREE activities at Jordan Park Green and the Waterford Public Library, including:
- A one-hour family magic spectacular featuring music, sound effects and audience participation
- Interactive games for children of all ages
- Dunk Tank
- Face Painting
- Temporary Face Tattoos
- Balloon Twisters
- Hug-a-Coke
- Sign a Promise
- And many more family-friendly activities!
The Waterford Regional Lions Club will also be distributing 500 miniature American flags to parade-goers before the festivities begin—helping everyone show their patriotic spirit as we celebrate both Waterford’s 225th Birthday and America’s 250th Anniversary.
Hungry? No problem! A variety of food vendors will be serving delicious favorites before, during, and after the parade, making Waterford Day the perfect way to spend the entire day with family and friends.
Best of all…every activity and the parade are FREE to attend!
First Selectman Rob Brule encourages everyone to come out and celebrate:
“Waterford Day is more than a parade—it’s a celebration of everything that makes our community so special. It’s neighbors coming together, families making memories, volunteers giving back, and thousands of people proudly celebrating our hometown. As Waterford marks 225 years of history while America celebrates 250 years, there has never been a better time to come together and celebrate our incredible community. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 8!”
Bring your lawn chairs, wave your American flags, and join thousands of friends and neighbors for one of southeastern Connecticut’s largest and most exciting community celebrations.
Celebrate Waterford. Celebrate America. Celebrate Together.
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Pre-Parade Family Activities: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Waterford Day Parade: 11:00 a.m.
Location:
Starts at Waterford High School, 20 Rope Ferry Road
Ends at the First Baptist Church, 105 Rope Ferry Road
Admission: FREE
Parking available at:
Library, Community Center, Town Hall, Police Department & Gazebo
*WHS parking is for participants only
Stay up-to-date by following us online: Waterford Day | Waterford CT | Facebook
Please reach out to Shannon Withey, swithey@waterfordct.org, 860-444-5834, if you have any questions.
Admission
FREE