WINDHAM’S 41st BOOM BOX PARADE IS COMING!!!!
The 41st annual WILI “BOOM BOX PARADE” begins at 11:00 a.m. on July 4th, 2026 beginning at Jillson Square in downtown Willimantic, marching westbound for 2/3 mile to Memorial Park. It’s THE LARGEST PARADE OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD!
The 36th, 37th, 38th and 39th WILI “BOOM BOX PARADES” returned to Main Street in Willimantic in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The parade went virtual in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic (for details, see below). For pictures of the 2023 WILI July 4th Boom Box Parade, click here, or go to the “WILI Boom Box Parade” Facebook page.
The 40th annual WILI July 4th #boomboxparade drew big crowds to Main Street in 2025. It was the longest parade since 2018. After a delayed start, it ran 83 minutes on a beautiful, sunny, low humidity day. Stepoff temperature was 72F with a delightfully dry dewpoint of 56 and a fresh breeze.
As always, WILI morning show host and parade Grand Marshal Wayne Norman led the parade with his long time WILI morning newsman John Tuite, riding in a pedal-powered surrey with red, white and blue fringe on top, and big gold balloons on top to signify the 40th Boom Box Parade. Helping John and Wayne pedal were Darien Jenkins, the 2025 Windham High School Valedictorian, and Asa Korczynski, a Windham soccer and track and field athlete. Those extra legs were useful, but on a mid-parade hill, the guys had to get out and push the surrey, amusing spectators. Wayne wore his popular 5-foot long red, white, and blue tie.
WILI’s Keith C. Rice marched inside a huge boom box. On the back of his boom box was a collage of pictures of former WILI personalities, and Fred Wallace, holding a boom box on his shoulder in the first Boom Box Parade (1986).
The parade featured the usual collection of local politicians, including Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Joe Courtney, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Treasurer Erick Russell, State Senator Mae Flexer, State Rep Susan Johnson, and others.
Political persuasions from both sides of the aisle were represented, including a large “No Kings 2.0” contingent.
With a tradition that dates back to 1986 with “Parade Mama” Kathy Clark, Paul Ashton and “Parade Daughter” Annie Clark carried Kathy’s “This Land is Your Land” banner.
And the usual suspects: The WilliBrew float wrapped things up with a “Beer Not Bombs” and “Hops Not Hate” theme. And the 39th appearance by the Traveling Fish Head Club of Northeastern Connecticut, who said “Save our Democracy.”
Reigning Romantic Willimantic Cupids Jamie and Kit Eves were near the front of the parade, with Jamie walking next to an antique car featuring Kit riding in the back seat.
One of the marchers was Andrew McCabe from Braintree, MA, whose mother lives in Windham. She convinced Andrew to march in an authentic 1863 Union troop uniform with musket to commemorate the battle of Gettysburg which was fought July 1, 2, and 3, 1863.
Many thanks to the thousands who turned out, and especially to those who get the concept and brought their radios (boom boxes!). We hope to see you on Saturday July 4, 2026.
In 1986, no marching band could be found for Windham’s Memorial Day Parade. Five weeks later, the “Boom Box Parade” concept was born, as WILI-AM radio played the marching band music on the air, while thousands marched and watched, loudly playing their radios (boom boxes). No other town has a parade like this.
Anyone can march or enter a float in “Connecticut’s Unique People’s Parade.” The only requirement is to wear some red, white, and blue, and bring a radio tuned to WILI (1400-AM). And now, the parade music is simulcast on WILI-AM’s FM translator at 95.3 FM. American flags are encouraged. There is no “official” theme for the parade.
Formation for the Boom Box Parade starts at Jillson Square on Main Street around 9:00 on July 4th. No pre-registration is necessary. The parade marches west on Main Street to Memorial Park. Safety guidelines include no water spraying, no throwing candy (but candy can be handed out), and no reckless operator behavior.
The parades are always led by Grand Marshal Wayne Norman–WILI’s morning man since 1970, who led the 2023 parade with a tribute to the UConn Men’s Basketball team’s fifth NCAA championship in 2023. Similarly, in 2022, he wore an ECSU baseball uniform to honor the 2022 NCAA champion Eastern baseball team. Wayne started the 2021 parade dressed in hospital scrubs to honor pandemic first responders. In the 2019 parade he rode a snazzy Can-Am Spyder, escorted by ladies on motorcycles from Libelle Sisters Riding Club. He began the 2018 parade with newsman Mike Morrissette, dressed as “aging hippie rockers” to welcome the new Shaboo Stage to Willimantic.
John Shishmanian photo, courtesy of the Norwich Bulletin
In prior years, he has started the parade in classic cars, was a patriotic butterfly (2013) , and a “Frog of Windham” (2012), joined by WILI’s ceramic “Frogcaster.” He began the 2011 parade in a UConn men’s basketball uniform to honor the NCAA champs, and marched with Windham High School’s state champion girls basketball team. In 2010 he wore a cap and gown, campaigning (unsuccessfully) to be the next UConn president. In 2007 he celebrated WILI’s 50th anniversary with a 1950’s look. In 2006 he was dressed as the “King of Willimantic,” sitting atop a huge Boom Box. In 2005 he paddled a kayak with red hair, wearing the uniform of the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox. In prior years he has ridden an adult tricycle, a go-cart, a motorcycle, a scooter, and in 1998 pulled the world’s largest boom box while rollerblading.
Norman stresses that everyone bring a Boom Box. “The parade doesn’t work if you don’t bring a radio,” he says. “No Boom Box? No problem! Just bring any radio and turn it up!” To see the current listing of the songs in the parade soundtrack, click here.
Past parade marchers have included a “baby boomers unit” (parents pushing children in strollers); a “precision drill team” (marchers holding power drills); skateboard units, along with various decorated floats and marching youth and civic groups. Among the most popular annual entries are the Willimantic Brewing Company’s incredibly creative floats, the “Traveling Fish Head Club of Northeast Connecticut,” and “Haggerosa,”—up to 100 members of Willimantic’s Haggerty family, whose units have spanned three blocks.
For more parade information and photos, visit “WILI Boom Box Parade” on Facebook, call Wayne Norman at 860-456-1111, or email wayne@wili.com .
George Washington brings his men to the WILI July 4th Boom Box Parade
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and social distancing guidelines, the 35th annual WILI July 4th “BOOM BOX PARADE” was not be held in 2020. However WILI provided a “VIRTUAL” Boom Box Parade, starting at 11 a.m. on July 4th, featuring photos and videos of prior parades, the marching band music sound track, and some surprise appearances. To watch the virtual 2020 “Zoom” Box Parade, click here. And we’ll look for you in the 2026 parade, which will begin at 11 a.m. on July 4, 2026.
At 79 minutes, the 2024 parade was the longest Boom Box Parade since 2018. After a few morning showers, step off temperature was 76F , with a dewpoint of 66. The sun popped out a few times. Parade Grand Marshal Wayne Norman wore a UConn Men’s Basketball jersey, with a 2024 NCAA champion towel on his drum major hat. He sported his NCAA championship bling, and wore UConn slippers. He stood in a Jeep from Capitol Garage Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM with morning newsman John Tuite, who had a Celtics shirt and hat, as the two were paying tribute to the 2024 champions. Wayne and John toted Boom Boxes. And WILI’s Keith C. Rice walked behind them wearing a patriotic inflatable eagle. Families from San Diego and Baltimore were among the spectators. As usual, the parade drew many high-profile politicians, including US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, 2nd District Congressman Joe Courtney, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Treasurer Erick Russell, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, State Rep Susan Johnson, and State Senator Mae Flexer. There were many youth groups and civic organizations, and a batch of old cars. The Traveling Fish Head Club of Northeastern Connecticut had a sign that said “Vote Fish Head Nov 5.” And WilliBrew wrapped up the parade with a “We’re All Mad For Beer” float that included a Dixieland jazz band. See you at the 40th!
