Changes in the Cincinnati Police Department’s policies have threatened the stability of our beloved annual celebration. Northside Community Council asks you to show your support for our 4th of July Parade by signing this petition.

CPD's Special Events Unit and the City’s Special Events permit office insists our parade requires almost twice as many Detail Officers as we’ve required in past years. As that is an excessive amount of officers, they are doubtful the request would be filled, which could result in a cancellation of our parade. The compromised offer is to reduce the parade route - cutting off a significant portion of Northside residents from participating in or even spectating this cherished event. Reduction of our historical parade route would severely limit accessibility and would effectively exclude more than half of Northside from a vital community gathering.

NCC's stance is maintaining the historical route of Ashtree to Blue Rock is imperative to providing equitable access to the parade. Our long established route is crucial for accommodating parade entries, participants, and the spectators who line Hamilton Ave.

This parade is more than just a routine, annual event/celebration; it's an integral part of our community's history with a tradition dating back to 1854. It’s a hallmark in Northside's history we can be proud to continue as it represents a strong celebration of inclusivity through appreciation of independence. It did not achieve that by segregating our community or whittling down the route.

To assert our parade has safety concerns so unmanageable that its continuation is at risk, is absurd. We urge Northsiders and supporters beyond our borders to stand with us - Help us tell the real story of our parade. This well respected occasion needs your voice to affirm this parade has not only a history of being loved, but of being a safe activity celebrating inclusion for all independent spirits!

Please sign this petition today – Declare your Independence - Save the Northside Parade!