‘It’s American.’ Boise goes all out with parade for 250th U.S. birthday
As a pair of A-10 jets flew overhead, the cheers began up and down Capitol Boulevard in downtown Boise.
Veterans carrying the American flag and Idaho state flag were the first to step onto the packed road heading toward the Idaho Capitol building, kicking off Saturday’s 90-minute Independence Day procession.
Crowds lined either side of Capitol Boulevard, waving flags, cheering and clapping along to the multitude of floats, classic cars and bands as they passed by.
“I like the horses,” said 8-year-old Reese Colburn, who was attending the parade with her twin sister, mom and grandmother. “I like how they dress up their hooves.”
The 2026 Honor Marching Band and Color Guard, under the direction of Boise State professor Phil Hartman, filled the air with festive tunes in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
An array of military vehicles, including a tank and a truck hauling an old helicopter, were followed by a group of eight bagpipe players along with drummers and dancers. There were tractors, mini cars, bubbles and beauty queens.
“There’s no way I was gonna miss this,” said Barbara Ash of Boise, who is a Navy veteran. “I just wanted to see the celebration and everything that everyone brings. It’s beautiful. It’s lovely, and it’s American.”
Some of the floats offered candy and trinkets to children, and the Guardians of the Children — a nonprofit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts who protect and empower child abuse victims — gave out stuffed animals.
Six-year-old Harry of Boise was lucky enough to snag a stuffed blue lamb.
“I like the songs and the sounds,” he said.
Longtime Eagle residents Chas and Torene Bonner enjoyed the festivities from the comfort of their lawn chairs under the shade of a tree.
“I love that they’re honoring the military,” Torene said. “That and the music. It gets you in the spirit.”
Once the parade wrapped up, the fun continued with music, games and food at Cecil D. Andrus Park on the front lawn of the state’s Capitol building.
“It’s a tradition, and I brought my mom here for the first time this year,” Boise resident Paige Colburn said. “It’s great to just watch the kids interact and see all the different organizations wave the flags. It’s teaching moments, of course, always about the different organizations and different groups of people, and it’s just so fun.”
This story was originally published July 4, 2026 at 3:06 PM.
