Fayetteville Honors Veterans with Second Annual Parade and Community Fair

This fall, you can watch We SALUTE, Inc. turn Dickson Street over to Fayetteville’s veterans for a celebration honoring their service.

THE DEETS

The Next 250

This year’s theme, The Next 250, invites you to show your support for the next 250 years, following on the heels of America’s 250th anniversary.

The Parade Route

You’ll find the parade starting at the corner of East Ave and Dickson Street, moving down Historic Dickson Street, and finishing along West Ave. Watch for veterans, military vehicles and other vehicles, youth groups marching, and bands playing as they pass by.

Meet Your Emcee

FOX’s Josh Pineda returns as your emcee. Organizers are teasing a few surprises this time around, though details are still under wraps.

This Year’s Grand Marshal

You’ll see Colonel Merle Williams lead the parade as Grand Marshal. He’s a retired U.S. Air Force officer and West Point graduate who served in Vietnam, and he stays active with the Fayetteville National Cemetery today.

An Opening Ceremony Performance

Before the parade steps off, you’ll hear sisters Emma and Madison Madrid sing “God Bless America” at the Opening Ceremony. Both are Fayetteville High School students and daughters of a veteran.

A Community Fair Follows

Once the parade wraps, a Veterans Community Fair takes over the Upper Ramble from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. You can meet veterans groups and service organizations, along with veteran-specific businesses, to learn how they still serve.

What to Bring

Grab a lawn chair and an American flag before you head out. Wearing red, white, and blue is encouraged. If you’re interested in volunteering, reach out before the day arrives. The same goes if you’d like to enter the parade or register a booth at the fair.

You can thank We SALUTE, Inc. for presenting the parade, in partnership with Experience Fayetteville Arkansas and America 250, with Community America Credit Union sponsoring the event.