Record Parade Celebrates Top Floats
A record 57 floats, thousands of spectators and America’s 250th anniversary combined to make the 2026 Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade one of the biggest.
Led by Grand Marshal Deena Kastor, whose float set the tone for this year’s theme, Make It Mammoth. Go the Extra Mile., the parade celebrated community, patriotism and hometown pride.
In this year’s Float Competition, sponsored by High Country Lumber, cash prizes were expanded to include second and third place for the first time. Judges scored each float on Audience Reaction & Engagement, Creativity & Execution, and Adherence to Parade Guidelines. The float competition was closely contested.
Taking first place was the Mammoth Music Department, whose float celebrated local talent, music and community. The band performed live from the back of a truck and trailer, entertaining spectators along the parade route.
Second place went to the Mono County and Inyo County Dems for their We the People float, honoring the Bill of Rights. Participants walked the parade route carrying sandwich boards displaying the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.
Third place was awarded to the Mammoth High School Cheerleaders and Youth Cheer Clinic, whose beautifully decorated float and energetic performance showcased teamwork, mentorship and school spirit.
All three winning floats were thrilled to receive the news.
“While thousands enjoyed the celebration, months of planning were taking place behind the scenes by our Chamber team.” said Brianna Goico, President & CEO of the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce. “At the same time, float participants were putting in hours to build, decorate and prepare their entry. It takes an incredible community effort to create a parade like this, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part.”
The Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce congratulates this year’s Float Competition winners and thanks everyone who helped bring the 2026 4th of July Parade to life.
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• Mammoth High School Cheerleaders and Youth Cheer Clinic, third place in the Float Competition. Photo courtesy of Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
• Mono County and Inyo County Dems (Float Line up), second place with their We the People float. Photo courtesy of Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
• Mammoth Music Department, first place in the Float Competition. Photo courtesy of Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
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