Strutters to perform in DC for 250th Fourth of July parade

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The Texas State Strutters will once again take part in a historic national celebration, performing during the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026.

The dance team performed on the national stage during the Bicentennial in 1976, when they were selected to appear in a Coca-Cola commercial. Fifty years later, the Strutters have been invited to represent Texas at the National Independence Day Parade on July 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

“The National Independence Day Parade reaches out to specific groups and they invited us a few months ago,” said Selina Lloyd, director of the Texas State Strutters. “The team was officially notified in December.”

The parade, organized by the National Park Service, will take place along Constitution Avenue near the National Mall and will include a fireworks display. The Strutters will perform alongside bands, drum corps, floats and military units from across the United States.

Although the Strutters have performed at three presidential inaugurations, the 2026 event will mark their first appearance at a national Independence Day parade.

“We call ourselves a world-class performance group, so this is a great opportunity,” Lloyd said. “We’re ambassadors for Texas State and the state of Texas.”

Preparation for the performance will begin this spring. Lloyd said the team is planning routines that honor the nation while highlighting Texas through music and uniforms.

The Strutters will also perform at the Lincoln Memorial and a wreathlaying ceremony at the World War II Memorial.

Supporters can watch the performance on the National Independence Day Parade’s YouTube page, where a recording will be available after the parade concludes.