Sudbury Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade Committee Roles & Responsibilities
Sudbury Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade Committee Roles & Responsibilities
2026 marks a year of transition for the annual 4th of July Parade organizers. As the Sudbury Chamber’s Parade Committee heads into the historic 250 anniversary of our nation’s independence, they have also announced that they are retiring after 24 years of incredible volunteer leadership, keeping this remarkable annual parade vibrant and beloved in our area. These leaders will head up the 2026 parade, which we expect to be a blockbuster.
The Sudbury Chamber of Commerce has sponsored and produced the 4th of July Parade for more than 30 years and is looking to expand our parade team for this 250th anniversary and for years to come. The parade leadership and day-of volunteer roles are detailed here. In 2026, people interested in being active members of the Parade Committee will be mentored by these experienced leaders. Detailed schedules of vendors, activities, deadlines and other project management details have been captured and documented for future managers.
Parade Commander (Mike Hamill)
The Parade Commander has overall authority for parade-day operations, ensuring the event runs safely, on schedule, and in coordination with all stakeholders. This role provides on-site leadership and serves as the final decision-maker for operational and safety matters.
Key Duties
• Oversee all parade-day operations and execution
• Coordinate with public safety, municipal officials, and parade leadership
• Direct division managers, communications, and operations teams
• Make real-time decisions regarding safety, timing, and contingencies
• Ensure compliance with parade rules, permits, and emergency protocols
• Serve as primary incident response lead during the event
• Order parade signs and awards / ribbons
• Evaluate US flags and poles yearly and replace as needed
• Coordinate with Town of Sudbury FD for flag installation and removal
Qualifications
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills
• Experience managing large-scale events or operations
• Ability to remain calm and authoritative under pressure
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
Parade Communications and Logistics Coordinator (Doug Haartz)
The Parade Communications and Logistics Coordinator oversees parade-day communications and operational logistics to ensure timely information flow and smooth execution. This role serves as a central communication point between parade leadership, division managers and volunteers.
Key Duties
• Support logistics planning, staging, and movement coordination
• Serve as information hub for parade leadership and operations teams
• Communicate schedule changes, safety updates, and contingencies
• Support division managers and parade leadership with timely information
• Assist with pre-event participant and volunteer communications
• Support post-event debriefing and follow-up communications
• Assist with issue resolution and post-event debriefing
• Secure donations for day of parade (water)
• Secure and coordinate delivery of Porta-Potty facilities
Qualifications
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Calm, clear decision-making under pressure
• Event logistics or operations experience preferred
Parade Division Coordinator (Olivia Plummer)
The Parade Division Coordinator oversees the coordination and on-site management of an assigned parade division to ensure smooth operations and participant safety. This role serves as the primary contact for division participants and volunteers.
Key Duties
• Coordinate staging, lineup, timing, and movement of assigned parade division
• Serve as liaison for participants (floats, bands, groups, vehicles)
• Supervise division volunteers and manage participant check-in
• Ensure compliance with parade rules and safety protocols
• Communicate with parade operations and public safety teams
• Troubleshoot issues quickly on parade day
Qualifications
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to lead volunteers and remain calm under pressure
• Event or logistics experience preferred
• Availability for planning and full participation on parade day
Parade Arrival Coordinator (Libby Hamill)
The Parade Arrival Coordinator manages the arrival, check-in, and initial staging of parade participants to ensure an orderly, timely, and safe start to the event. This role is critical to maintaining schedule flow and setting the tone for parade-day operations.
Key Duties
• Coordinate participant arrival and check-in procedures
• Direct vehicles, floats, bands, and groups to designated staging areas
• Verify participant credentials and lineup assignments
• Communicate arrival status and issues to parade operations and division managers
• Assist with traffic flow and participant safety in arrival zones
• Troubleshoot arrival delays or conflicts in real time
Qualifications
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage crowds and vehicle movement safely
• Calm, clear decision-making in a fast-paced environment
• Event or logistics experience preferred
Parade Pre & Post Event Volunteers
Parade Pre & Post Event Volunteers support setup and breakdown activities before and after the parade to ensure the event space is safe, organized, and ready for participants and spectators. This role is essential to smooth operations and efficient event closeout.
Key Duties
• Assist with pre-event setup (signage, barriers, staging areas, water & ice stations)
• Help organize materials and prepare volunteer or participant areas
• Support post-event breakdown and cleanup
• Assist with inventory, packing, and equipment return
• Support parade leadership and operations teams as needed
Qualifications
• Dependable and willing to perform hands-on tasks
• Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team
• Comfortable with light lifting, walking, and outdoor work
• Flexible availability before and/or after the parade
Submit your interest of support on our 4th of July Parade Page