A highlight of Sunday’s festivities at Progress Days is the huge candy parade on Sunday July 12, 2026, starting at 12:30 p.m. The parade is known for the large amount of candy that is tossed to spectators by participants. Better bring something to take home your haul! Contact Mark at 262-705-3666 with questions.
Registration for the 2026 Bristol Progress Days Parade has closed.
Parade Guidelines:
- Tossing of candy is recommended, not throwing
- Refrain from spraying water
- Only elected officials may participate
- Candidates may walk the sidelines before the parade starts
- No political materials distributed during the parade to include signs that reference “Vote for” or “Elect”
- All animals must have waste collectors
- Licensed drivers only
- Maintain a safe driving distance
- Keep the safety of spectators and participants in mind at all times
- Below is a map of the 2026 Parade Route. The parade starts at 82nd Street and Highway 45 and continues to Hansen Park at 86th Place and 198th Ave
Bristol Progress Days Launches New Community Food Drive During Annual Parade
In partnership with the Kenosha Bradford Cheer Team and the Sharing Center of Trevor, parade attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to help support local families facing food insecurity.
This year’s food drive will take place during the parade, making it easy for attendees to participate. The food drive collection units will be located in the Pre-Parade Division, immediately following the Westosha Central Marching Band. As the units pass by, simply hand your non-perishable food donations to the Kenosha Bradford Cheer Team members, who will be pulling collection wagons. Once you’ve made your donation, sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of the parade.
Organizers are inviting residents to spread the word by encouraging family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to participate. Every donation, no matter the size, will help stock the shelves of the Sharing Center and provide much-needed assistance to members of the local community.–“Our community has always demonstrated incredible generosity,” said Bristol Progress Days organizers. “We’re excited to launch this new tradition and work together to make a meaningful impact for local families. We hope everyone attending the parade will consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate.”
Suggested donation items include canned goods, boxed meals, peanut butter, pasta, rice, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, and other non-perishable food items.
Together, the Bristol community can help ensure local families have access to essential food resources while making this inaugural food drive a lasting tradition.