Middletown Announces Grand Marshals for America 250 Independence Day Parade

Middletown will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with small-town charm and some big-name guests.

The town announced Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, Dexter Manley, and Lauryn Ricketts as grand marshals and special guests for the 2026 Middletown America 250th Independence Day Parade.

Additional guests will include former Washington Redskins kicker Mark Moseley and the newly crowned 2026 Miss Virginia.

The parade, sponsored by First Bank, steps off at 5 p.m. on July 4 from Laurel Ridge Community College and travels down Main Street.

Italian Touch Middletown helped bring the special guests to town.

“No one else does what Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV does for our area,” Italian Touch owner Danny Brereton said. “The sports figures are great to have in a small town like this, and the kids just love seeing them.”

Parade Director Tina Clem said the event captures Middletown’s small-town charm.

“July 4th in Middletown reminds me of the Squash Festival in the movie Doc Hollywood,” Clem said. “I love the country appeal that goes with our parade, so if you want to walk your pet pig down Main Street, then come join us!”

“If you want to walk your pet pig down Main Street, then come join us,” Clem said.