2008 Veiled Prophet Parade in St. Louis
A Spectacular St. Louis Family Tradition for 131 Years

In keeping with this year’s theme “Let’s Party” the annual Veiled Prophet Parade plans to kick off the Independence Day weekend with a bang.  The annual spectacular winds through downtown St. Louis starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 4th.  The 131st annual parade continues the traditions of patriotic celebration and spectacular entertainment for the entire family.

The honorary grand marshal of this year’s parade is Col. Joseph J. Mokwa, chief of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  This year marks the department’s 200th anniversary – and we’re honored to have the opportunity to pay tribute to these proud men and women who serve us every day.  2008 is also the 50th anniversary of the St. Louis Police Department’s award-winning canine unit.

Special guests for this year’s Parade will include Nickelodeon recording star Drake Bell (from the series Drake and Josh) who will be riding atop the Fair St. Louis / Live on the Levee float.  Drake is the opening act on the Fair St. Louis mainstage at 1:00pm.   Highlights of the nation’s most spectacular Independence Day parade include giant helium balloons, elaborate custom-built floats, and a spirited competition among high school marching bands from throughout the Midwest.  More than 100 units will stretch over five miles in length. 

Parade Banner Artwork