ORLEANS — Time is running out for local groups, businesses, and individuals to join one of Southern Indiana’s most beloved spring traditions. Organizers of the 56th Annual Orleans Dogwood Festival Parade announced today that last-minute entries are still being accepted for the event, scheduled for this Saturday, April 25, 2026.
This year’s parade holds a special distinction, as it marches under the theme “Celebrating America 250: 1776–2026.” As an official kickoff site for the nation’s semiquincentennial, the parade will serve as a patriotic tribute to two and a half centuries of American history.
The hometown parade will follow its traditional route, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Participants and spectators should note the following schedule:
- Staging: Orleans High School will serve as the staging area.
- Line-up: Units may begin lining up at 11:00 a.m., with all entries required to be in place by 1:00 p.m.
- Judging: Official judging of the units will commence at approximately 1:00 p.m.
The parade will depart from the high school and travel down Maple Street (SR 37 S.), cutting through the heart of the historic downtown area. The procession will pass the official reviewing stand before concluding with a turn onto West Jackson Street at the Orleans Christian Church.
To ensure the safety of participants and the thousands of expected spectators, parking is strictly prohibited along the entire parade route from early Saturday morning until the conclusion of the event. Local law enforcement will be monitoring the route to clear the way for the procession.
Interested parties can still secure a spot in the lineup. Entry forms are available through the following outlets:
- Online: www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com
- In-Person: The Orleans Progress Examiner office or the Orleans Town offices.
For specific questions or more details regarding the parade, contact Parade Chair Jennifer Blanton at 812-797-2847.
The Dogwood Festival Parade remains the centerpiece of the week-long celebration, which also includes the Funtime Carnival, the crowning of the Dogwood Queen, and various community events on the historic Congress Square.
