The day at a glance
- Morning — the Marine Fourth of July race. A four-mile running race and a two-mile run/walk start at the Hay Lake School Lions Pavilion. Proceeds support the Marine Restoration Society, which cares for the village’s historic public buildings. Early-bird registration usually closes a couple of days before the race.
- Noon — the parade. Floats, antique cars and trucks, fire engines, horses and costumed kids roll down Judd Street. Parade units line up at Judd and Berkey Streets about an hour before.
- Afternoon — the river. Many people head to William O’Brien State Park, the river landing or a backyard picnic.
Times and the race start location come from the city’s announcement for the most recent year; confirm them on the official Fourth of July page before you go.
What happened to the fireworks?
Marine used to put on a fireworks show, drawing crowds of thousands. In late 2022 the City Council dropped it from the holiday schedule: the cost of a display had roughly doubled since 2019, the fireworks company could not guarantee a show on the Fourth itself, and the crowds raised safety and cleanup concerns for a small city that relies heavily on volunteers. The parade and the race continue.
Tips for the day
- Arrive early. By late morning the village is full. Park legally at the edges of town and walk in; never block driveways.
- Bring shade and water. July is the hottest month — average highs are around 81°F, and there’s little shade along parts of the route.
- Plan restroom stops — facilities in the village are limited on a day like this.
- Stay for ice cream on Judd Street afterward, a Marine tradition.
A long tradition
This website itself began in part as a record of the parade: in 2001, 2002 and 2005 the original MarineOnStCroix.com published page after page of parade photos. Those old links now point here. Read about the site’s history.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.
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