Maricopa marches to salute veterans in Saturday parade

The third annual Maricopa Veterans Day Parade is the morning of Nov. 9.[quote_box_right]IF YOU GO
What: Maricopa Veterans Day Parade
When: Nov. 9, 9 a.m.
Where: Bowlin and Porter roads
How much: Free
Info: ALPost133az.org/veteransparade[/quote_box_right]

The event celebrates local military veterans, who comprise more than 10 percent of the population of Maricopa. All branches of service will participate. All residents are encouraged to attend to cheer on the veterans.

Prior to the parade, Maricopa Memorial Events hosts a Veterans Day 5K Run and one-mile walk at 7 a.m. at Pacana Park. Visit MMEinc.org.

Parade entries include floats, walking groups, riding groups, marching groups and motor groups. Some entries are comprised of veterans; some are comprised of groups just saying a big “Thank you” to those who were in the service. Entries range from the Maricopa High School Marching Rams to the Daughters of the American Revolution.

American Legion Post 133 Auxiliary, which organizes the event, anticipates multiple grand marshals again, saluting an array of veterans. Parades past have seen veterans from every conflict from World War II to Afghanistan.

Commercial entries are not allowed. Candy is also prohibited. Participants are also not allowed to distribute flyers along the parade.

The parade will follow the familiar route from the campus of Central Arizona College, 17945 N. Regent Drive, west along Bowlin Road to Porter Road and then north to Leading Edge Academy, 18700 N. Porter Road. The roadways will be blocked off along the route about 8:30 a.m.

At 11 a.m., all veterans and their families along with first responders will be treated to lunch at Leading Edge.

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This story appears in the November issue of InMaricopa.