Wichita Veterans Day Parade adds more events
Nov 07, 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- You can honor several generations of veterans this weekend.
The Wichita Veterans Day Parade will be held this Saturday, Nov. 9, beginning at 11 a.m. The parade will start at Central and Main and end at Exploration Place, where there will be a post-parade celebration.
The Spirit AeroSystems Veterans Day Parade is organized by American Legion Post #4. The Post says one significant change this year will be McLean Boulevard closing in both directions from Seneca to Second Street.
Parade goers can use public parking lots and street parking. Wichita Transit is offering a free shuttle service from the old Gander Mountain parking lot to the parade and Exploration Place. The shuttle will run from 9 a.m. until about 4 p.m.
This year's parade theme is Veterans Strong – Honoring Generations of Kansas Heroes.
"We specifically want to recognize and honor the Kansas families who have supported our military, generation after generation, for a long time," American Legion Post #4 said. "We want to get the word out to the largest audience possible and make this another parade to remember."
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Before the parade, the Young Marines will host a pancake and sausage breakfast at Post 4, 816 N. Water Street, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Donations are accepted.
Mayor Lily Wu encourages people to come to the parade and the post-parade celebration.
"For the first time, they are asking individuals along the parade route to meet them at Exploration Place, where there will be food available and other activities," she said. "There will also be free admission at Exploration Place for veterans and their families."
The celebration outside Exploration Place includes Wichita Wagonmasters cooking hamburgers and hot dogs, a beer garden, live music from the Fabulous Shirtheads, a car show, and displays. Veterans service organizations will have tables describing the services they provide.
The celebration is expected to last until about 4 p.m.