Central ND News

The city of Mandan has announced a temporary alteration to the 2025 Independence Day Parade, with staging moved to West Memorial Highway and no public viewing permitted along that route. This change is due to construction work on Memorial Highway by the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

According to a press release, parade staging will shift to West Memorial Highway from Third Street SE to Mandan Avenue, eliminating public viewing in that area. Instead, Main Street will remain the primary location for spectators, with the Classic Car Parade starting at 10 a.m. and the Grand Parade at 10:15 a.m. on July 4.

To accommodate the new staging setup, West Memorial Highway will be closed between Third Street SE and Mandan Avenue starting at 6 a.m. on parade day until the event concludes. Business access will remain open, but delays are expected, and drivers are advised to use I-94 exits 152 or 153. The parade is part of a broader July 4 celebration that also includes Art in the Park and Mandan Rodeo Days.

"We understand that watching the parade from Memorial Highway has been a beloved tradition for many families, and that will return," said Matt Schanandore, Executive Director of the Mandan Progress Organization. Schanandore added that for safety reasons this temporary move was necessary and invited everyone to embrace the change and experience the excitement along Main Street this year.

Mandan has an estimated population of 24,586 as of July 1, 2023, according to the State Data Center. The city is known for its historical roots as a village for the Mandan tribe, a cavalry fort, and a railroad hub. It continues to grow while hosting annual events such as Touch-A-Truck, Rodeo Days, and Buggies-n-Blues which attract thousands of visitors. The city offers various recreational facilities including parks, sports complexes, and museums.