Every year, I follow holidays and try to find a new spin. Not that they need a new spin but that I think it might be more interesting to find out something new. For Memorial Day this year, I thought I would highlight or showcase small towns that have parades. Oh, there are 1,000’s of small towns having parades and celebrations. Only, most of us are aware of the ones in our own area or those that are large enough to make an appearance on television or on the news. Those noteworthy Memorial Day celebrations include the events in Washington DC, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, etc. But they only tell part of the story. Small towns remember as well.
In my opinion, it is hard to beat a small town holiday parade for an event. There are all kinds of events and I really have affection for all of them, obviously. But small town celebrations of holidays that are pure “Americana,” are pure golden. Not big, professional, floats or award-winning bands; but rather boy scout troops carrying a banner or the local fire company with decorated trucks and sirens. Seriously, it is something taken right from a canvas of Norman Rockwell. I am getting all weepy eyed and sentimental, just thinking about it.
Kids on bikes, police on horseback, antique cars with local officials and beauty queens are all elements that make you proud of your hometown and of your country at the same time. I highly recommend that you find one in your area and make it a family requirement to attend. The whole reason for the holiday, the sacrifices men and women have made over the years, should be more than enough of a reason to show your support. That warm and fuzzy feeling you get in pit of your stomach and your heart are just a fringe benefit.
Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2014
Downtown University Heights, OH 44118
Since 1967. Family activities following parade. The parade ends up at John Carroll University with a family day of activities.
Chelan Memorial Day Parade
May 22, 2014
Downtown Chelan, WA 98816
Features over 65 entries. Honoring police officers and soldiers killed in the line of duty. Entries include a grand marshal, members of WA State Concerns of Police Survivors, Mayor Jay Witherbee, Chelan County Sheriffs Department, VFW Post 6853, Tomb of the Unknown, Chelan County Fire Department, plus many more.
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
May 26, 2014
Memorial School Medford, NJ 08055
Traditional holiday parade with firetrucks, high school marching bands, police, veterans groups and more. The parade will start at Memorial Middle School on Mill Street, proceeding down Mill Street to Trimble Street to Main Street. The parade will then continue to the cemeteries in the village for a 21-gun salute and flag-raising. Returning to Main Street, the parade will then stop at the Veterans’ monuments at 21 S. Main St. for the official ceremony. VFW Post #7677 will host the activities in conjunction with Medford officials. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the VFW Hall located on Church Road.
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
May 26, 2014
Downtown Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Parade will start on Main Street at Guindon Boulevard and travel north to Veterans Park for ceremony. Progran at the park begins immediately after the parade.
Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2014
Rogers’ Memorial Park Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Performance by local high school bands, a DJ and ceremonies at the end of the parade. Parade goes from Rogers Memorial Park to Vet’s Memorial Park.
Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2014
Downtown-Main Street Downers Grove, IL 60517
Celebrate our Nations holiday paying tribute to our men and women in the armed forces, as well as those in prior wars. Presented by the American Legions.
Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2014
Downtown Appleton Appleton, WI 54911
The City of Appleton along with area’s veteran groups, businesses, clubs, organizations, schools, and more honor those service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their fellow Americans and country. The Parade begins on College Avenue at Appleton Street and proceeds east on College to Meade Street, then north on Meade to Pacific Street, then east on Pacific to Owaissa Street where the Parade route ends at the entrance to Riverside Cemetery. A ceremony occurs immediately following the Parade in Appleton’s historic Riverside Cemetery (at the George D. Eggleston, G.A.R. monument.
Marshall’s Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2014
Downtown Marshall Marshall, MI 49068
Marching bands and special guests stroll through the streets in the downtown area honoring America’s veterans.
Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2014
Downtown Annapolis, MD 21401
Join us for a very traditional Memorial Day celebration! Ceremony honoring those who have given their lives in service to our country with parade downtown.
Millard’s Crossing Concert Night
Oct 25, 2013
Millard’s Crossing Historic Village Nacogdoches, TX 75963
A free live music performed either in the chapel or on the grounds in summer. Talented amateur and professional groups from all over East Texas come to the Village to perform. Every event covers an exciting variety of styles including folk, blues, Cajun, Latin and some you haven’t thought of. The event is BYOB and people are welcome to bring coolers, deck chairs, children and pets for a relaxed and informal musical evening. The PineKnot Music Co-op accepts donations to support this event.
Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2014
Downtown Westerly, RI 02891
Floats and marching military units parade through the downtown area in honor of our nation and our veterans.
Mount Joy Area Memorial Day Parade
May 23, 2014
Downtown Mount Joy Mount Joy, PA 17552
The Mount Joy parade has become a well known Memorial Day Parade in Lancaster County, with its origin in the late 1800’s. This event is organized by volunteers serving on the parade committee.
Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2014
Downtown Waterbury Waterbury, CT 06702
The Memorial Day Parade Ride will be taking place on Sunday at 11am. This is surely gonna be a fun ride for everybody! All bikes are welcome, so be sure to come out! During this ride, riders will be leading the Memorial Day Parade, and this parade will travel in Downtown Waterbury.
Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2014
Downtown Columbia Columbia, MO 65201
The Memorial Day parade winds through the beautiful streets of The District featuring more than 100 floats, veterans reunion groups, bands, military vehicles and patriotic organizations.
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