*Article from Greet Lakewood, June 2026*
Photos by: April Barnes Photography
For generations of Lakewood families, the Fourth of July Parade has been more than just an annual event — it’s a can’t-miss event and a celebration woven into the fabric of summer core memories. This year marks an exciting new chapter as the Lakewood Neighborhood Association (LNA) officially takes over leadership of the iconic Lakewood Fourth of July Parade, combining a dedicated volunteer team from past parades with LNA’s resources. Jesse Smith, President of LNA, shares his view on the transition and LNA’s role in preserving the tradition while thoughtfully growing the parade for years to come.
“The parade is the ultimate community event and fits squarely within our mission of building and celebrating a safe, beautiful, and connected community. While LNA has always participated in the parade in meaningful ways, taking on a larger role and operational responsibility for the parade will enable us to use our funds, organization, and volunteers to bring more floats, more candy, and more fun to the parade and our community.”
Leading the effort, along with Jesse Smith, are Parade Co-Chairs Darby Chalko and Cal Estee, Will Arnold, Sloan Dix, Kirsten Swanson, and a growing committee of volunteers all working behind the scenes to make this year’s event one to remember.
And this year’s celebration comes with an especially patriotic theme: “Party Like It’s 1776” — a playful nod to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration and the spirited community traditions that have made Lakewood’s Fourth of July festivities so iconic for generations.
For Darby Chalko, the parade is deeply personal. “This is my fifth year being involved and my third as chair,” she shares. “I grew up in Lakewood, and my favorite day was always the Fourth of July because of the parade.”
Like many longtime Lakewood residents, Chalko’s memories are tied to candy tossed from floats, patriotic decorations lining the streets, and the excitement of neighbors gathering together on a hot July morning. Those childhood memories are exactly what inspire her work today. “The Fourth is such a special day in Lakewood,” she says. “I want to make sure we continue this amazing tradition and honor the work of the volunteers before us.”
The parade’s roots date back more than six decades to 1962, when two children rode decorated bikes along the sidewalks of Lakewood Boulevard. Over the years, the small neighborhood gathering evolved into one of East Dallas’ most beloved community traditions, complete with floats, front yard parties, a Fun Run, and generations of family participation. One thing that has remained unchanged throughout the years is the spirit behind it: this parade has always been “by the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.”
That mission is fully supported by the new leadership team and will continue. Consistent with the past, political and commercial floats are prohibited. The only commercial involvement in the parade is a limited number of highly sought-after sponsorship opportunities for the presenting sponsor, the grand prize float competition, the Fun Run, the Candy Brigade, and the Decoration & Candy Stations. These sponsorships are used solely to fund the parade.
LNA Vice President Cal Estee, who also serves as Co-Chair of the Parade Committee, has spent the last two years helping organize neighborhood events and supporting the parade’s continued growth. His daughters, Abby and Hailey, have become part of the tradition as well, even serving as junior inflatable eagles during past Fourth of July parades. Kirsten Swanson, serving on the committee for the first time this year, is focused on increasing awareness and community involvement in the parade. “I highly encourage our neighbors and local businesses to get involved as a sponsor, participant, or spectator, as this is one of the most iconic events every year for our Lakewood community,” she says. “We are all stronger together, and I’m so excited to be working alongside this amazing team of neighbors.”
Committee member Sloan Dix says her motivation for joining the effort stems from her own childhood memories growing up in Lakewood. “I remember the amazing floats, the candy, and the end-of-parade party at Tokalon,” she recalls. “It was my favorite day in summer as the community united together to have this amazing event.”
Today, she hopes to help bring renewed energy and excitement to the celebration while ensuring future generations experience the same sense of community she remembers. Behind the scenes, volunteers are handling everything from sponsorship outreach and creative planning to logistics and public safety coordination. Volunteer Will Arnold has spent the last three years helping organize off-duty police officers and coordinating schedules with local fire departments that help lead the parade route. And while much of the planning work happens in the background, the goal remains simple: create a day that feels joyful, welcoming, patriotic, and unmistakably Lakewood.
This year’s festivities will once again include the annual Fun Run beginning at 8 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m., which both start at the intersection of Lakewood and Cambria Blvd. Whether you’re walking in the parade, cheering along the route, volunteering behind the scenes, or supporting as a sponsor, there are countless ways to help keep the spirit of the Lakewood Fourth of July Parade thriving for generations to come. After all, this event has always been — and always will be — a celebration built by the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.
