Response to Application Denial
6/19/20261 min read
We are very grateful for the interest that a variety of groups have shown in participating in the Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade, celebrating America's 250th birthday.
Our community's parade will have just under 100 entries. Our goal for this event is to bring people together in a shared spirit of unity, patriotism, and community celebration. As organizers, our committee carefully reviews parade entries to ensure they align with and help fulfill that purpose.
After much deliberation, the Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade Committee unanimously declined an application from a political protest group whose actions and online presence appeared to run counter to our mission.
While we welcome elected political leaders from all sides to celebrate with their constituents, we believe that participation by political protest organizations, no matter what side of the political aisle, could potentially distract from our goal of uniting our community.
We respect the right of all groups to express their views and to organize events that reflect their missions. However, as the Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade is organized by a private committee and not the City of Sioux Falls, participation in this event is at the sole discretion of the committee. We understand that some may disagree with our decision, but we stand by it.
The Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade Committee is incredibly grateful to our sponsors, participants, and parade-goers, and we look forward to honoring America's 250th birthday on July 4 at 10AM.
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Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade Comittee
Contact: sfindependenceparade@gmail.com
