Mark your calendars, memorial day is just around the corner! The Middlebury parade begins at 9:00 am at the Middlebury College Mahaney Center for the Arts and heads downtown, winding up at the Soldiers’ Monument on Merchants Row where there will be a speech honoring fallen servicemen and -women and those still serving. This will be a big hit for anyone who likes trucks, cars, candy, and marching bands. So, break out your BBQ’s and white pants, it’s nearly summertime!
If you want to participate, pull out your superhero gear and come march with Ilsley Public Library and MCTV! Rally point and start time are the same as last year: 8 a.m. in the parking area of Middlebury College’s Mahaney Center for the Arts off South Main Street. The parade will step off at 9 a.m. sharp. Marchers will be handing out stickers, pencils and bookmarks along the route. Library staff do ask that parents march as it will be a bit too crazy for them to keep an eye on everyone! For those of you without a superhero costume, or not ENOUGH superhero costumes, the Ilsley Public Library will be hosting a cape making workshop this SATURDAY from noon – 4pm.
Not a fan of capes or superheroes; never fear, you can also walk with the Experience Middlebury crew! You’ll see all the familiar characters, the Spooktactular Witch, Santa from Very Merry Middlebury, a chili pepper from Chili Fest, and a Sun from the MiddSummer fest! They would love a few more friends and family to join them handing out treats to parade watchers. If you’re interested in marching with them, please contact Karen as soon as possible for more details.
Parade hopping? Here are two more options…
Vermont’s largest Memorial Day parade is hosted by Legion Post 14 in Vergennes. The 2015 parade starts from Vergennes Union High School at 11:00 am and winds its way through the streets of Vergennes ending at the city green. Floats, tractors, classic cars, firetrucks, and much, much more!
The Bristol parade starts at 1:00 pm at Mount Abraham Union High School and winds up on the village green. This year’s guest speaker is Vermont Army National Guard Major Jacob Roy.