Auburn’s 57th annual Veterans Parade set for Nov. 5

The parade is one of the largest on the West Coast and will feature military flyovers.

One of the largest Veterans Day parades on the West Coast, the 57th annual Veterans Parade and Observance, begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in downtown Auburn.

The parade will proceed west on Main Street from E Street Southeast to A Street Northwest. According to the city, the parade typically boasts over 200 units and nearly 6,000 parade participants, including over 25 marching bands, military vehicles, veterans’ units, honor guards and more.

“The purpose of Auburn’s Veterans Parade and Observance is to positively focus on honoring our country’s veterans and active military personnel,” according to a city news release. “Through our parade, we focus recognition on congressionally-recognized Veteran Service Organizations and their auxiliaries, the military and military reserve, National Guard and ROTC.”

This year’s event will commence at 11 a.m. with a flyover from a C-17 Globemaster III by the 446th Airlift Wing from McChord Air Force Base.

At 11:15 a.m, the King County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled to fly their UH-1H “Huey” helicopter, Guardian2, over the parade route. Spectators can also expect to see numerous marching bands, including America’s First Corps Band from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Navy Band Northwest.

Antique military vehicles, honor guards and ROTC Units, military marching units, veteran marching groups, drill teams, community and scouting groups, as well as numerous motorcycle clubs, antique car clubs and more are also expected to be part of the parade.

The parade line-up can be viewed here.

Spectators are advised to arrive early, and to bring a folding chair. For more information, visit auburnwa.gov.