American Celebration on Parade
American Celebration on Parade is one of America’s most unique museums and offers an up-close experience with parade floats from famous national celebrations including Presidential Inaugural Parades, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade and much more. On television these floats may seem small, but here, they’re larger than life. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime, family-friendly, up-close experience that’s impossible to describe!
- See more than 20 full-sized parade floats up close and read how they were created
- Experience what it’s like to stand on or drive a massive float
- Take photographs at backdrops where US Presidents and other famous Americans have stood, including the 60’ long by 40’ US flag used in multiple Presidential Inaugurals beginning with President Reagan’s in 1989. It was later used in President Bush’s and President Obama’s inaugurations.
Memorial Day through Labor Day 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Last Tour Begins 4:00PM)
Guided Tours/Open Seasonally
Tour Details
Tours through the 40,000 square foot American Celebration on Parade are guided, with descriptive plaques at each float. The building is ADA accessible.
American Fright Night at American Celebration on Parade
Each October, American Celebration on Parade is transformed into one of Virginia’s most interesting and terrifying Haunted Houses! The 2023 American Fright Night dates are October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, and 31 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Shenandoah Uncorked Wine Festival
Our annual wine festival, held the 2nd weekend in November in American Celebration on Parade, includes tastings from numerous wineries, foods and crafts.
Special Events at American Celebration on Parade
The American Celebration on Parade building is available to rent for special events including wedding receptions, corporate events, banquets, private events, shows and high school proms. See Event Venues for details.
How American Celebration on Parade was Created
Earl C. Hargrove, Jr. owned Hargrove, Inc., a company in Lanham, MD that designed parade floats and Presidential Inaugural backdrops beginning with President Truman’s float in 1949. Over the years, these floats and backdrops were brought here to create one of the world’s most interesting museums, opened in 2000. The color, artistry and detail behind each is astounding, and many are made entirely from everyday and natural materials like straw, flowers, seeds, papier mâché, steel and wood. Visit them up close at your own pace.
