Independence Day Parade Winners Receive Prizes

Best Overall - Linstead on the Severn again claimed the coveted title of Best Overall for its USS Linstead design, a 40-foot naval aircraft carrier flanked by four golf carts transformed into fighter jets. Parade sponsor Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi presented community members with a $500 prize.

Most Patriotic - Airman First Class Nathaniel McDavitt Memorial Scholarship Fund’s float featuring an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft was named Most Patriotic, and representatives received a $500 check from parade sponsor Senator Dawn Gile.

Most Original - A star-spangled float carrying a participant dressed as Betsy Ross earned Severna Forest the honor of Most Original. The $500 prize was sponsored by the Severna Park Elks, and Severna Forest opted to donate the money back to the Elks.

Celebrating The 250th Anniversary - With a float that showcased iconic American symbols including the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Liberty Bell and the Declaration of Independence, Olde Severna Park Improvement Association won the $500 award for the category of Celebrating The 250th Anniversary. The prize was presented by parade sponsor Kitchen Tune-Up.

Best Community - Members of the Round Bay neighborhood stepped right up to receive the prize for the Best Community entry, which they earned with a float themed after their longstanding tradition of the Round Bay carnival. They were awarded $500 from parade sponsor Peake Speech Therapy & Consulting.

Best Club/Nonprofit Organization - Our Shepherd Lutheran Preschool was awarded the title of Best Club/Nonprofit Organization for its schoolhouse-themed parade entry. Parade sponsor Betty Batty, Hello Home of Compass, presented school representatives with a $500 prize.

Posted Thursday, August 6, 2026 2:42 pm

In the weeks following the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s annual Independence Day parade, businesses around town delivered cash prizes to this year’s float winners.

Best Overall

Linstead on the Severn again claimed the coveted title of Best Overall for its USS Linstead design, a 40-foot naval aircraft carrier flanked by four golf carts transformed into fighter jets. Parade sponsor Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi presented community members with a $500 prize.

Most Patriotic

Airman First Class Nathaniel McDavitt Memorial Scholarship Fund’s float featuring an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft was named Most Patriotic, and representatives received a $500 check from parade sponsor Senator Dawn Gile.

Most Original

A star-spangled float carrying a participant dressed as Betsy Ross earned Severna Forest the honor of Most Original. The $500 prize was sponsored by the Severna Park Elks, and Severna Forest opted to donate the money back to the Elks.

Celebrating The 250th Anniversary

With a float that showcased iconic American symbols including the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Liberty Bell and the Declaration of Independence, Olde Severna Park Improvement Association won the $500 award for the category of Celebrating The 250th Anniversary. The prize was presented by parade sponsor Kitchen Tune-Up.

Best Community

Members of the Round Bay neighborhood stepped right up to receive the prize for the Best Community entry, which they earned with a float themed after their longstanding tradition of the Round Bay carnival. They were awarded $500 from parade sponsor Peake Speech Therapy & Consulting.

Best Club/Nonprofit Organization

Our Shepherd Lutheran Preschool was awarded the title of Best Club/Nonprofit Organization for its schoolhouse-themed parade entry. Parade sponsor Betty Batty, Hello Home of Compass, presented school representatives with a $500 prize.