Flags, families and thousands of veterans will fill Main Street in Auburn for the mile-long Veterans Day Parade on Saturday.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. and proceeds west on Main from E Street Southeast to A Street Northwest near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two hours.
The parade pays special tribute to the American Veterans (AMVETS). John J. Hauff, Sr. serves as the grand marshal and guest speaker at the Veterans Day luncheon following the parade.
The Auburn Veterans Day Parade, one of the largest of its type west of the Mississippi, celebrates its 47th year.
Preceded by a military C-17 fly-over from the U.S. Air Force at McChord Field, the parade boasts nearly 200 entries showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade features more than 30 marching bands, as well as local Junior ROTC units, honor guards, military units and antique military vehicles.
Spectators also will enjoy the procession of veteran units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars and other entries of interest.
Spectators are asked to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag, their best salute and plenty of tissue.
Other Saturday events:
• American Legion Post 78 breakfast: 7-9:30 a.m. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 9th St. SE. Co-sponsored by the Post and the City of Auburn. A generous breakfast for $6 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee. Tickets available in advance or at the door.
• Static display, exhibit showcase: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., South Division Street (perpendicular to parade route). Displays may include military vehicles and equipment and informational booths relating to veterans and the military. A handful of food/beverage vendors will be included in the display area.
• Veterans Remembrance Ceremony, Lighting of the Flame: 9:45-10:15 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E St. NE, and features patriotic music, an honor guard and 21-gun salute. Once lit, the flame at the park will be guarded for 24 hours.
• Veterans Day Marching Band Competition: 1:30-9 p.m., Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE. More than 30 bands compete in the field competition, which includes music, drill and precision performances from some of the best high school marching bands in the Pacific Northwest. Admission is charged at the stadium gate (discount ticket prices available for students, children and seniors).
• VFW Auburn Post 1741 Open House: 3-5 p.m., 1525 A St. NE, Suite 107. The post honors all veterans.
• Sweet Swing Performance: 6:30 p.m., Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Featuring songs made famous by the wonderful talents of the Andrews Sisters, McGuire Sisters and other great artists of the era, Sweet Swing takes you back to the feelings and euphoria of being at a USO Show in the 1940s. Tickets are $10. Advance ticket purchase recommended.
For more information about the parade and other activities, visit www.auburnwa.gov/events, or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 253-931-3043.
