Eddie Lorton’s Fourth of July Parade: Permit First, Press Conference Later?

That familiar rat-a-tat-tat has returned to the Reno City Council meetings.

Once again, Eddie Lorton has been showing up during public comment demanding that a Fourth of July parade be placed on a future council agenda.

Now Lorton says he’ll personally cover the $25,000 cost to make it happen.

That sounds generous. But before the city rushes to place anything on an agenda, there are a few basic questions worth asking.

Because if someone truly wants to organize a parade in Reno, there is already a well-established process.

A simple Google search for “parade in Reno” quickly points organizers to the city contact for special events — Rachel Macintyre. Her office coordinates event logistics and helps applicants navigate the process.

Has Lorton actually reached out?

Step Two: File the Permit

Anyone planning a public parade must first submit a Special Event / Special Activity permit through the City of Reno’s Accela portal.

That’s the same system every nonprofit, neighborhood group, and event organizer uses.

Has Lorton logged in and filed the application?

Step Three: Provide a Site Map

The application requires a detailed site map showing the parade route, staging areas, barricades, and safety considerations.

Has he submitted one?

Step Four: Get on the City Calendar

Once an application is submitted, the city reviews it, coordinates logistics, and determines whether the event requires city sponsorship before placing it on the official calendar.

Only after those steps does something typically reach the council’s radar.

So far, what residents have seen instead is Lorton repeatedly appearing at council meetings to accuse the city of ignoring him.

But if the standard permitting process hasn’t even been started, it raises an obvious question:

Is this really about organizing a parade… or organizing press coverage?

Because the reality is that regular folks organize events in Reno every year — from charity walks to neighborhood festivals — and they all follow the same process.

They don’t start by demanding a council agenda item.

They start by filing the paperwork.

If Lorton is serious about putting on a Fourth of July parade, the city already has a clear path forward.

Step one isn’t a microphone at a council meeting.

It’s a permit application.