The Most Popular Event at the Maine Lobster Festival

The fun begins at 10am August 1, 2026!

Wonder what the most popular event at the Maine Lobster Festival is? Look no further than The Big Parade! This year The Big Parade begins at 10am August 1, 2026 on Main Street in Rockland.

For many years, the parade has drawn the largest crowd of the week, and often proves to be among the longer of the parades in Maine during the year. Each year, the town of Rockland closes Rockland Main Street to traffic as local community members and visitors alike gather to watch parade participants march or drive by.

In the past, participants have ranged from local groups and businesses to nationally-recognized participants joining us from various parts of the country like The L.L. Bean Bootmobile, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, and “The Band” Marching Unit.

Local legend Bea Dodge was the 2025 Big Parade Grand Marshal. Bea is an active community member and has been a staple at Wasses Hot Dog in Rockland for over 30 years. She is a cornerstone of our community, and is always willing to jump in and lend a hand to anyone in need. Bea participates in countless local fundraisers and events, and is always willing to donate her time, efforts or baked goods to help others.

The parade is a great place to show off the enthusiasm we have for our community. Look for floats from many local businesses, fire trucks, sports team mascots, Color Guards, Kora Drifters, MVRA All Stars, stilt walkers and more! The Maine Lobster Festival is honored to have all of these organizations participate as well as many, many more. Our local community makes this parade an exciting and entertaining family event celebrating our beloved lobster industry.

Awards will be presented to participants in The Big Parade in the categories of People’s Choice, Antique Vehicle, Commercial, Non-Profit, Marching, Band, Director’s Choice, and Theme.

2025 Big Parade Winners

People’s Choice – Saltwater Fields

Antique Vehicle – Raymond Brand

Commercial – Horch Roofing

Non-Profit – Elks

Marching – Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band

Band – Dunlap Highland Band

Director’s Choice – Oscar Meyer

Theme – Five County Credit Union

Honorable Mention – Gary’s Lawn Care

Watch the 2024 Big Parade

Parade FAQ

Saturday August 3

YES – your float/ vehicle/ etc MUST be decorated for either the Theme or to support the Lobster Industry

The Theme changes each year and is listed on the application

the parade starts at 10a

line up starts at 8a

Oceanside High School, Broadway, Birch St, Lower Cedar

staging at Oceanside High School or Planet Fitness

the parade is approximately 1 mile and lasts 1.5 to 2 hours

NO, Politicians, politics or religion of any kind is prohibited

parade starts at the intersection of North Main & Broadway, goes down North Main, up Main in the wrong direction and ends at Pleasant Street

the parade will be canceled if there is thunder/ lightening in the area or if the rain is a downpour

Vendors must be approved by the city (but are discouraged)

YES! Please email [email protected]

NO – there is never a cost to participate in the parade

candy must be HANDED OUT, not thrown into the crowd

Horses MUST be wearing poo-bags – NO EXCEPTIONS

Want to Participate?

Groups and organizations interested in participating in the parade may download, fill it out and mail it to Maine Lobster Festival, PO Box 552, Rockland ME 04841 or email the application to us at [email protected].

In addition to floats, it also features the grand marshal, the newly crowned Maine Lobster Festival Delegate, King Neptune and his court, and a variety of bands, marching units, drill teams and more.

There is no fee for participating in the Big Parade.

The Big Parade has for many years drawn the largest crowd of the weekend and often proves to be among the longest parades in Maine during the year. Grand marshals for Festival parades have ranged from local, long-time workers for the event to influential community members.

Watch the full 2022 parade ONLINE