BFR 2023 PARADE DATE

Saturday, August 17, 2024 (RAIN or SHINE)

PARADE FEES

If you are registering a Vehicle or Float in the parade, the fee must be paid and registration form (via Google forms) prior to the parade day. This can be completed and paid online via the online form and Paypal Fee links ( you must select ” Family and Friends in order to complete registration). Please note: Payments cannot be accepted the day of the parade –( NO EXCEPTIONS.

VEHICLES

The ONLY vehicles that are allowed in the Avondale Town Center are vehicles that are Registered in the parade. All other participants should park their vehicles in one of the approved parking lots (listed below), or find street parking and walk to the Avondale Town Center Staging area.

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

Following the State of Ohio Covid-19 guidelines there are no restrictions at this time. If the Ohio Covid health orders change you will be notified. With that, ‘handouts’ during the parade are allowed. However, we suggest that everyone is mindful and respects the safety of yourself and others.

SPECIAL MUSIC REQUESTS

Music will be played at the reviewing stand throughout the parade, however if your group has a specific music request, contact BFRparade1@gmail.com Butch Gibson (butchgibson@butchgibson.com). All music requests must be requested by Wednesday, August 14th, 2024.

REVIEWING STAND

There will be a Reviewing Stand located at Rockdale Academy on Rockdale Avenue, where the judges will be seated. The Master of Ceremony will announce your entry by name and give a brief description of your group. You are allowed to stop briefly while your description is being read. Any band, drill teams, cheerleading squads or musical groups will have 3 minutes to perform at this location. TWO MINUTES ONLY!

REGISTRATION/STAGING TIME

8:00 a.m. – Avondale Town Center

Note: please enter the Avondale Town Center from Reading Road (signs will direct you). Your cooperation in arriving early is greatly appreciated. Only vehicles that will be driven IN the parade and participants IN the parade will be allowed in this area.

PARKING

Approved parking lots for parade participants are Zion Baptist Church, Rockdale Academy (back parking lot), South Avondale Elementary School. Outside of these parking areas participants are encouraged to find available street parking. As parking may be limited due to the number of participants in the parade, plan to arrive early to allow enough time to park and walk to the staging area prior to the start of the parade. It is highly recommended that you carpool as parking is limited.

PARADE CONCLUSION

At the end of the parade, you will be directed to turn right onto Knott Street. DO NOT STOP YOUR VEHICLE. Vehicles are asked to continue onto Prospect Place and then to Reading Road for dismissal. There will be a water station located at the end of Rockdale Avenue. Please do not stop your vehicle to get water. Participants who are walking may go directly to the water table at any time once you’ve passed Knott Street. If you’d like to get some water and you’re riding in a vehicle, please park your vehicle at South Avondale Elementary School on Prospect

Place and walk over.

PARADE START TIME

10:00 a.m. SHARP

PARADE ROUTE

Turn right onto Forest Avenue, turn left onto Wilson Avenue, turn left onto Rockdale Avenue. Parade ends on Knott Street. The approximate length of the parade route is 1.7 miles. A parade and staging area map are attached.

LINE-UP ASSIGNMENTS

Each entry will be assigned a section, starting with the letter “A” and a line-up number (1-16). Please appoint ONE representative from your group to check-in at the Registration Table. Once registered, the representative will be provided with your group’s line-up assignment (ex. A-5). We try to provide a parade that showcases each organization without putting groups back-to-back that are doing performances alike or have similar messages. We ask that you remain in the order you are assigned. CHANGES TO YOUR ASSIGNED ORDER ARE NOT ALLOWED!

Inquiries/ Contact BFR Parade Team Information

If you have any questions, please contact:

Trina Tolbert

Black Family Reunion Parade Coordinator

BFRparade1@gmail.com

Thank you for your participation in the 34th Annual Midwest Black Family Reunion Parade. We want everyone to have a good time and we hope to see you again next year.

Marching Together. Rising Together.

BFR Parade

The BFR Parade is a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and collective pride. Families, organizations, schools, businesses, and community leaders come together to showcase the spirit, creativity, and resilience that define our neighborhoods. Every step celebrates our shared journey while inspiring the generations walking behind us.

Date

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Time

11:00 AM

Location

The Banks, Mehring Way, Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio

Registration

Date

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Time

11:00 AM

Location

The Banks, Mehring Way, Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio (Ends at the park)

Hosted By

Don Juan Fasho & Faith Daniels

Featured speaker / host / honoree

Hosts: Don Juan Fasho & Faith Daniels

Family Of The Year: Dr. Thomas & Lillie Shockley & Family

Grand Marshal: Scotty Johnson

About the event

Celebrate culture and community at the annual BFR Parade, bringing families, organizations, and performers together in a vibrant citywide procession.

The parade features an exciting lineup of participants, including marching bands, floats, cars, steppers, and more!

The route moves through downtown Cincinnati along Mehring Way and officially ends at the park.

Know before you go

The procession kicks off promptly at 11:00 AM. Arrive early to secure your viewing spot along the route.

Plan your visit in advance to navigate downtown street closures and parking smoothly.

You can pre-register online to stay up to date on all parade details and weekend events.

Join the Celebration

Claim Your Spot at the Banks

Whether you are cheering from the sidewalks of Mehring Way or meeting us at the park finish line, lock in your registration today to get real-time route updates and the full weekend schedule.