How do people typically join parades?

[Three Valves]

I rarely join parades any more.

But I frequently rain on them!!

[Radar]

Not sure about other areas of the country, but summer here in western NY is fireman carnival season. Most volunteer fire departments in the area host carnivals as fund raisers, and start the carnival season off with a parade. Many of these Volunteer fire departments also sponsor bands to march in those parades. We have a great time doing the parades, and then playing in the carnival beer tents after the parade. As others have said the way to get started is to join an established marching band (or if you're really up for it start one of your own, but unless you've got a lot of experience marching, and know a lot of musicians, I'd say join one that's already established).

[David Richoux]

Not sure about other areas of the country, but summer here in western NY is fireman carnival season. Most volunteer fire departments in the area host carnivals as fund raisers, and start the carnival season off with a parade. Many of these Volunteer fire departments also sponsor bands to march in those parades. We have a great time doing the parades, and then playing in the carnival beer tents after the parade.

My band has done that a few times in California. Great fun! We always have this old song ready (to the tune of "O Tannenbaum" played slowly)
The first bit is spoken dramatically:

OH, FOR THE LIFE OF A FIREMAN,
OH, FOR THE LIFE OF A FIREMAN,
TO STAND UPON THE ENGINE RED,
AND SHOUT TO THE HORSES,
GO AHEAD, GO AHEAD, GO AHEAD!

THE FIREMAN'S BAND, THE FIREMAN'S BAND,
HERE'S MY HEART AND HERE'S MY HAND.
THE FIREMAN'S BAND, THE FIREMAN'S BAND,
HERE'S MY HEART AND HERE'S MY HAND.

NOW DON'T YOU REALLY, REALLY THINK,
THAT WE SHOULD HAVE ANOTHER DRINK?

THE FIREMAN'S BAND, THE FIREMAN'S BAND,
HERE'S MY HEART AND HERE'S MY HAND.

[MartyNeilan]

Live in a town that has a lot of parades.

(Seriously)