Dear Takoma Park 4th of July celebration participants, volunteers, and other key stakeholders,
I am writing to let you know that we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year's parade and evening street party due to extreme heat.
As you are likely already aware, the DC area is facing a historic heat wave. The heat index on July 4 is forecast to be at least 105 degrees. Montgomery County has declared a Heat Emergency through the holiday weekend, and the region is currently under a National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warning.
In this heat, parading is particularly risky: participants have to gather and wait outdoors until the parade rolls, and once the parade is moving there's really no easy way to rest or cool down. That burden falls particularly hard on our youngest and oldest participants, on other heat-sensitive individuals, and on the animals we ask to join us.
We feel that it would not be safe, or responsible, to ask our community to march or to gather in this heat.
Please know that this was not an easy decision. So much care and preparation goes into the parade and the evening street party each year. We are grateful to every group, every dignitary, and every volunteer who was ready to take part.
Please look after yourselves and each other and stay safe this weekend. If you need a place to cool off, you can learn more about City and County cooling centers here.
On behalf of the Takoma Park Independence Day Committee, thank you for everything you've done for this year's Takoma Park 4th of July Celebration. We look forward to parading with you next year!
Sincerely,
Tara
July 4 Evening Street Party
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Join your friends and neighbors for an evening of Live Music * Food Trucks * Beer & Wine Garden (Takoma Bev Co.)* Kids' Activities with Let's Play America and more!
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Where: Maple Ave between Philadelphia Ave & Ritchie Ave
Master of Ceremonies: Jared Garelick
When: 6:00-9:00pm
Entertainment provided by the following bands:
6:00-6:45pm Takoma Park Community Band
7:15-9:00pm OH HE DEAD, fresh off their European Tour
Announcement of Parade Winners * Drawing for Raffle Prizes throughout the evening
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CELEBRATING OUR 137th INDEPENDENCE DAY
The day’s events are planned, directed, and financed mainly by the efforts of the all-volunteer Takoma Park Independence Day Committee, with the cooperation of the Departments of the City of Takoma Park and the Mayor and Council.
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TPIDC is a small group of volunteers who work hundreds of hours each year to make the celebration a success. While a City grant covers about forty percent of the total cost of today’s celebration, TPIDC raises the remainder mainly by soliciting donations from local businesses, churches, civic and service organizations, and individuals like you. We also raise funds by selling raffle tickets and leasing vendor spaces.
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Your financial support and volunteer help are greatly appreciated. You can make a donation through PayPal, or by check mailed to Committee at 149 Ritchie Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910.
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remembering roland dawes
Roland Dawes, patriarch of one of Takoma Park's oldest Black families, passed away on March 23, 2026 at age 97.
Roland lived a life rooted in perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community, A respected entrepreneur, astute business man, and pillar of the Takoma Park Community, he was Takoma Park's first Black business owner, opening Roland's Unisex Barber Shop and R & C Dawes Refuse Company.
Roland's life's work uplifted others and helped build a stronger, more connected community. He was active in the community throughout his life and is remembered as a supporter of the Geneva Avenue Baptist Church, a member of the Takoma Park City Council, and a long-time chauffeur of dignitaries in the 4th of July parade, driving his classic Ford Model A.
We are honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Roland Dawes in this year's parade.