Flags, families and tens of thousands of spectators will line Main Street in Auburn for the 51st annual Veterans Parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

The parade proceeds west on Main Street from E Street to A Street Northwest near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately 2½ hours.

The City of Auburn celebrates the 51st anniversary of the signature event, which started in 1965. Over the years, Auburn’s Veterans Parade has become one of the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi River. The National Veterans Day Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs selected Auburn as one of the few regional sites for Veterans Day observance this year.

Saturday’s parade will pay special tribute to the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI).

Parade co-grand marshals are World War II submariners Paul Christofferson and Ralph R. Sterley. The USSVI’s will be represented by a variety of submarine floats from the Seattle, Bremerton, Yakima and Rogue-Umpqua (Sutherlin, Ore.) bases.

Auburn, a Vietnam War commemorative partner, also will pay special tribute to the service, valor and sacrifice of those who served in the war.

The parade features more than 200 entries and nearly 6,000 parade participants showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade will showcase 30 marching bands, including the 56th First Corps Army Band, Navy Band Northwest and the 133D Washington National Guard Band.

Spectators will be treated to several local Junior ROTC units, honor guards, military units and antique military vehicles. Spectators will also 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 advised to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag, their best salute and plenty of tissue.

Parade emcee, Lee Stoll of KOMO 4 will be at the corner of Main and Division. KOMO’s Tracy Vedder will emcee at the corner of Main and B Street NE.

For more information, visit online.

Other activities Saturday:

Auburn American Legion Post #78 Breakfast: 7-9:30 a.m., Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. Co-sponsored by the American Legion Post 78 and the City of Auburn. Cost: $7 and includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee.

Veterans 5K Fun Run/Walk: 8 a.m., Game Farm Park, 3030 R St. SE. Everyone will receive a mini American flag. Meet at the tennis courts. Route will take participants around the park and along the White River Trail. Free registration.

Static Display & Exhibit Showcase: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., South Division Street between Main Street and 2nd Street SE, downtown. Displays, booths, food, military equipment, military vehicles and veterans and/or military information.

Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame: 9:45-10:15 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E St. NE. The flame is lit and guarded throughout the night. Wreath placement, rifle salute, prayers and taps encompass a special ceremony.

Veterans Day High School Marching Band Competition: 1-10 p.m., Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE. One of the state’s largest marching band and field competitions, hosted by the Auburn High School Band & Choir Parents. Showcases more than 30 bands competing in the field competition. Awards and full band retreat at 9:30 p.m. Event admission is charged at the door.

Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Day Luncheon: 1:30-3:00 p.m., Truitt Building, Rainier Room, 102 W. Main St. Co-sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions Club and the City of Auburn. Pre-reservations: $15/person and includes pork spare ribs, barbecue chicken, barbecue beans, potato salad, cole slaw, rolls and beverages. Lunch program honors veterans, with special recognition given to dignitaries in attendance. The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee’s Outstanding Veterans will be honored, along with other special presentations. For additional information or to reserve seats, call 253-931-3043.