POCATELLO — The start of Historic Downtown Pocatello’s 2025 Independence Day Parade might remind some local residents of what have become iconic Super Bowl commercials.

That’s because those lined up along the route will, for the first time in the history of Gate City’s longest-running parade, have a chance to hear the thundering hooves and see the gleaming harnesses of the Anheuser-Busch Budweiser Clydesdales.

“Registration is now open for Pocatello’s Independence Day Parade coming up on Friday, July 4, said Stephanie Palagi, president and CEO of Historic Downtown Pocatello. “You definitely don’t want to miss the World Famous Clydesdales. They’re bringing their whole team. They’ll have three semi trucks full of equipment, the horses, wagon and dog. Everything will be here.”

The Clydesdales are coming to Pocatello for what will be the first time in over a decade but first ever for the parade, through a partnership with local alcoholic beverage distributor, Watkins Distributing.

“It’s our fourth year in a row having them in East Idaho and but it’s been been around I’d say 12 years since they’ve been in Pocatello,” said Jason Stevens, the Watkins Distributing East Idaho general manager. “ “We’re just super excited to be able to land them here. They love coming to East Idaho.”

Positioned just behind the colorguard and local dignitaries and in front of presenting sponsor ICCU, the Clydesdales will be some of the first participants of this year’s parade, which Palagi said has a “Spirit of America” theme.

“The Clydesdales embody this big spirit and so we chose our theme to honor them, the history of having them here and this spirit of patriotism and the spirit of our country,” Palagi said.

Now that the Center Street Underpass is open the parade is resuming its traditional route, covering 18 blocks from South First Avenue, east to South Third Avenue, west on Center Street through the underpass and south on Union Pacific Avenue to Bonneville Street and then down Main Street where it will end at Sublette Street. The three blocks at the end of the parade route, Main Street from Wyeth to Sublette, is a water- and candy-free zone.

Free parking is available in the lot near the former Historic Downtown Pocatello Inc. offices west of Union Pacific Avenue. The parade route streets will be closed about two and a half hours before the 9:30 a.m.parade start time and remain closed for a short period of time after the parade ends, Palagi said.

“We’re going to close the roads about seven o’clock that morning, so there’ll be barricades up and no parking signs posted,” she said. “We’re asking people to plan to park and walk to their favorite spot. Please do not plan to park along the parade route.That is a safety hazard for everyone involved.”

For those interested in participating in the parade this year, the cost is $60 for commercial or business entries and $25 for nonprofits. Military or veteran entries are free, but are being asked to register so that they can be included in the roster, Palagi said. Click here to register.

Line Up: Entries may start checking in at 7 a.m. under the Benton Street Underpass on South First Avenue four blocks south of Center Street. Entries will be lined up along First Avenue starting at the East Lewis Street intersection. Volunteers will again be coordinating the lineup and parade start, Palagi said.

Judging will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. To be considered, entries should be assembled and running when the judges see it.

Much like the parades of year’s past, the Pocatello fire Department will serve as the caboose for providing parade goers a familiar sight to signal the event has reached its conclusion.