July 4th is Boom Box Parade Day

The WILI July 4th "BOOM BOX PARADE”  IS THE LARGEST PARADE OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD!!

In 1986, no marching band could be found for Windham's Memorial Day Parade. Parade lover Kathy Clark suggested the novel concept that WILI plays marching band music and people bring radios. Five weeks later, the "Boom Box Parade" concept was born for the Independence Day parade, with WILI playing the marching band music on the air, while thousands march and watch, loudly playing their radios (boom boxes). 

The 2010 WILI "Boom Box Parade" was the longest ever (117 minutes).

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). American flags are optional, but encouraged. There is no "official" theme for the parade.