5tate Street through Uptown will close to vehicular traffic — but open for prime spectator viewing space — during Westerville’s annual Independence Day parade on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Staged by the Rotary Club of Westerville since 1962, the State Street Independence Day Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. from St. Paul’s Church, 313 N. State St., proceeds south on State through the length of the Uptown Historic District, to conclude in the 400 block of South State Street as the procession turns onto Electric Avenue to disband at Westerville South High School.

More than 160 entries are expected in the 2024 Westerville Independence Day Parade, including the marching bands from Westerville Central, Westerville North and Westerville South high schools.

The 2025 parade theme will be “Stars, Stripes & Freedom Unite,” chosen by Mark Twain Elementary first-grader Ahmed Adu-Bediako in the Rotary’s annual contest to pick the parade theme, open to Westerville school district youngsters in kindergarten through fifth grade. 

The 2025 Parade Grand Marshal will be Janet Davis, longtime executive director of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Westerville native is concluding an illustrious 40-year career and retiring this year.

The brick-lined sidewalks along the beautiful historic buildings of old Uptown between Home Street and Walnut Street provide many great places to catch the awesome celebration.

Bring a folding chair and find a viewing spot Uptown to celebrate your July 4th at the Rotary Club of Westerville Independence Day Parade!

More info available at WestervilleRotary.com//july-4th-events/.