By Kathy Groob, Publisher ElectWomen.com–Independence Day Parades are a time for candidates to show off and build some much-needed name recognition.  You can always tell a challenger candidate by the size of their entourage and number of vehicles trailing along the parade route.  A successful parade campaign takes planning and a good pair of walking shoes. Voters need to see candidates at work.  Walking and sweating along a parade route is a great way to show your commitment.

How to Have a Successful Parade:

Follow all parade rules—arrive on time and have your group together before entering the parade assembly area.

• Make sure all your volunteers know the exact meeting place and time.
• Plan transportation for walkers who will need a ride back to their cars.
• Bring coolers of water and ice—walking in high temperatures along hot pavement will wilt even the toughest of parade marchers.
• Send volunteers along the parade route in advance to distribute stickers and campaign fans (if you have them).
• Strategically place yard signs in advance along parade routes –parade participants are voters too!
• Bring buckets, pails and baskets to carry candy and stickers along the parade route.  Place campaign bumper stickers on the buckets and baskets; use every place you can to display your candidate’s name.
• Don’t forget a bucket of dog biscuits for all the dogs along the parade route; you’ll gain a voter for sure!
• A cooler full of ice pops for kids and little bags of popcorn with candidate stickers on them are big hits with the crowd.
• If your campaign can afford it, wave flags, play music and make your float/vehicles as festive as possible.
• Walkers should wear campaign t-shirts and patriotic scarves, hats if possible.
• If rain is in the forecast, bring some ponchos and umbrellas. Most parades continue even it if is raining.
• Candidate should walk if at all possible; shaking hands and waving to people along the route. Wear good, comfortable shoes–don’t risk a blister and infection.
• Volunteers wear campaign t-shirts, but the candidate should wear business casual clothes, nice shirt, khakis, linen slacks, skirts.  The candidate is the candidate and should stand out.
• Have someone take photographs along the parade route –parade photos are great for website and social media.