There are more small towns in Texas than large ones. As a matter of fact, according to Google AI, there is 1 large city for every 29.5 small one. Most of the population in Texas lives in a rural setting – far from the hustle of a metropolitan downtown or the traffic of a suburb. They still enjoy the simple things in life – like trains stopping traffic, hearing chatter from the local football game across the night air, seeing their neighbor at the grocery store and showing up for the local parade where candy is thrown and waves of recognition are as plentiful. And, in my opinion Brenham/Washington County Texas should be the parade capital of Texas. While city officials might not consider themselves a small town (the population is around 17,000), this town knows how to put on a parade. They’ve had a lot of practice over the years with the oldest parade going back to 1868 connected to the county fair. Each year they continue to host five small town parades throughout the year. Each parade has the same route – down Main Street and back up Alamo – through the vibrant downtown. And each parade starts right in front of Main Street House Bed and Breakfast. Most parades are in the mornings, officially starting at 10am but the parade prep begins much earlier. And we have the best seat in town from our front porch to see it from start to finish. But, if you want to experience the crowd and energy of a parade in full swing, all you have to do is walk a block down the street, set up your lawn chair (which we have available for guests) and listen to the crowd cheer on their friends and family.
Each parade represents the kickoff of a local festival or celebration throughout the year. Afterwards, people head to a local park or the county Expo to enjoy more festivities where food, music and laughter continue to bring the community together. If you’re looking for a unique Texas small town experience, you will want to plan a trip around one of these parades.
The first parade of the year is Maifest, held in early May. Maifest has the longest parade from the length of time it takes, because it is two parades in one! The festival of Maifest, one of the oldest festivals in the state, is all about the Maifest Courts. There is a Senior Court and a Junior Court. Long ago, there was a parade for both. But, with changes in the school calendars, they combined them, and now the two parades are seamless drivin the parade route twice – once with each court. Of course, the band marches twice, the floats have different people on them and the candy they throw may be different each time. The costumes are amazing and worth the wait. Before the parade, you can walk downtown and see previous court regalia in the windows downtown or at the Brenham Heritage Museum.
The second parade each year is the Juneteenth Celebration in June. What began as a celebration of the Emancipation of enslaved people has grown into a community wide homecoming celebration of love and unity for the people of Brenham. There is a court in this parade as well, with fine regalia, music and coronations. Brenham/Washington County has a rich history linked to the civil war and the freeing of the slaves. While in town for the parade, you can check out the Freeman’s tribute at Toubin Park and the Camptown Soundwalk Experience.
There are two Fourth of July parades in the area, but none in Brenham. I think it’s great how the largest town in the county takes this holiday off and enjoys celebrations throughout the day in other towns. The closest July 4 parade is in Chappell Hill, where they have the largest kazoo band and an impressive lawn chair brigade! Or you can head to Round Top for a July 4 parade that has more tractors than you can count! And of course, later that night, you can drive to Independence, Texas for a fireworks show. Or do what Keith and I do, just drive up and down Hwy 290 and enjoy the fireworks put on by the locals!
Fall brings several parades, starting with the Washington County Fair. This two-week fair is the oldest county fairs in Texas (yes, this area has been around a long time)! The parade has horses, fire engines, floats and bands, and of course they throw candy and sometimes popsicles! After the parade there are ten days of activities at the Washington County Expo including a rodeo (a qualifier for the Houston Rodeo) and a carnival.
October brings the Brenham ISD Homecoming parade. This parade happens on a Wednesday evening and is the largest parade of the year. The homecoming parade isn’t just about football. It celebrates the entire school district with floats representing each school (7 total), each sport, several student organizations and of course the high school marching band! Everyone wears the school colors, green and white, which makes an impression! Afterwards, dinner is enjoyed downtown before heading home since it’s a school night. Tickets for the football game that Friday night are very reasonable and they have plenty of seats!
The final annual parade in Brenham is our Christmas Lighted Parade, part of Brenham’s holiday celebration weekend, The Christmas Stroll. Held on the first full weekend of December this Saturday night parade is my favorite! With red, green, white and blue lights twinkling on floats and trailers, carolers throughout sharing the reason for the season, and little ones dressed like angels, this parade could even get the Grinch in the holiday spirit! Of course, Santa ends the parade, making himself available afterwards for photos.
If you can’t make it the first weekend in December, visit the second and enjoy the Chappell Hill Teddy Bear parade! This parade is perfect for little ones to walk their first parade while holding their favorite teddy bear. It’s adorable to watch! Afterwards, enjoy some hot chocolate in Chappell Hill or come back to downtown Brenham where the merchants have a sip, shop and stroll that Saturday afternoon.
So, you can see, parades are an important part of the small-town experience. And if you have never attended one, it’s time to put it on your bucket list!
Planning Tip: Book a two-night stay so you can get a good spot for the morning parades. Then head to the festival for some food truck yummies. After you have your fill, head back for an afternoon nap to recharge for any evening activities connected with the celebration.