Celebrate CB 2026 - CB On Track

May 4-10, 2026

Celebrate CB is a celebration of the Council Bluffs community!

Join us for a week of vibrant festivities and meaningful moments as we come together to honor the heart and spirit of Council Bluffs. Expect a full lineup of family-friendly events from parades and pop-ups to food, and community engagement activities. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime neighbor, Celebrate CB is a chance to connect with others, explore the city, and create lasting memories together.

This year’s theme celebrates the connections, progress, and partnerships that keep Council Bluffs moving forward. Inspired by our community’s rich rail history and the momentum shaping our future, CB On Track highlights the people, organizations, and initiatives driving growth, opportunity, and quality of life across the region. Join us as we come together to recognize how far we’ve come, and where we’re headed next.

Check back here for updates and announcements as we get closer to Celebrate CB 2026!

Celebrate CB 2026 Parade Honors

School

1^st – College View Elementary

2^nd – Wilson iLead

3^rd – Longfellow Elementary

Cheer

1^st – Lewis Central High School Cheer Squad

2^nd– Thomas Jefferson High School Cheer

3^rd – Saint Albert Catholic High School Cheer

Dance

1^st – Destruction Drill Team

2^nd – Bluebird Cultural Initiative

Non-Profit

1^st – Body of Christ Ministries

2^nd - Girl Scouts Unit 406

3^rd – Pug Partners of Nebraska

Light-Commercial

1^st – Hanson House Assisted Living and Memory Care Residence

2^nd – Tommy’s Express Car Wash

3^rd – The Foamery

Heavy-Commercial

1^st – American National Bank

2^nd – CHI Health Merch Council Bluffs

3^rd – Midland Credit Union

Special Recognition

Special Recognition - Cherish Riding Association

CELEBRATE CB 2026 IS SPONSORED BY

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2026 Celebrate CB Parade Lineup

Please review the information below carefully to help ensure a smooth and successful parade experience for everyone.

Staging Location
The staging area is located on South 6th Street between 9th Avenue and 14th Avenue. Each section is organized by color zone (approximately one block each) and corresponds with your assigned entry number. Please reference the map below for your specific location.

Arrival Schedule
The staging area opens at 9:10 AM. Please do not arrive early.

To help with traffic flow, follow this arrival schedule below as a guide based on your entry number:

9:10 AM – Entries 1–20
9:20 AM – Entries 21–35 & 51–65
9:35 AM – Entries 36–50 & 66–80
9:45 AM – Entries 81+

All entries must be in place by 10:00 AM.
Staging area access will close at that time.

If you are later in the lineup, we recommend arriving closer to your assigned time to allow earlier entries to get settled.

Entering the Staging Area

Enter from 16th Avenue and travel north on South 6th Street
Look for radio volunteers wearing colored vests that match your assigned zone
Pull forward slowly until you reach your color zone

A volunteer will:

Check you in
Provide your parade number
Help direct you into position

*NOTE* this is different from the past. You will NOT need to check in at the tent at 9th Ave and South Main.

Parking & Participant Drop-Off
There is no parking within the staging area. Only parade vehicles are permitted.

If you have walkers joining your group:

They must park outside the staging area and off the parade route
A recommended drop-off location is 9th Avenue & South Main Street

Candy & Handouts

Candy may be distributed by walkers alongside your entry
Candy must be handed to spectators or gently rolled toward the curb
Do not throw candy into the crowd or street

Flyers may only be distributed if:

They are attached to candy (taped or bagged)

Please reach out if you have questions about distribution.

Parade Guidelines
Parade officials reserve the right to remove any entry that does not comply with guidelines at any time.

Parade Timing & Route
The parade will last approximately one hour.
Please refer to the attached route map for full details on the parade path and traffic flow.

We appreciate your participation and cooperation in helping make Celebrate CB a safe, organized, and enjoyable event for the entire community.

If you have any questions leading up to parade day, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will reach out separately to the horse entries for trailer parking.

We look forward to seeing you on the route!