Get ready to wave those flags and show your patriotic spirit, Sacramento, California! The Veterans Day Parade is rolling into town on November 11, 2024, and it will be a star-spangled spectacular you won’t want to miss.
A Parade With a Purpose
This year’s parade isn’t just about marching bands and fancy floats (though we’ll have plenty of those, too). The Veterans Affiliated Council (VAC) has chosen a theme that hits close to home: mental health awareness. It’s time to shine a light on the invisible battles our veterans face long after they’ve hung up their uniforms.
Where the Action’s At
The heart of the parade will be right in front of the west steps of the Capitol building in Sacramento. Picture this: a sea of red, white, and blue flowing through the streets surrounding the Capitol, with cheering crowds lining the sidewalks. It’s like the Fourth of July but with a more meaningful twist.
Parade Route: A Capitol Tour on Foot
If you’re wondering where to plant your lawn chair for the best view, here’s the scoop on the parade route:
- The parade starts at the EDD building, where kids can be dropped off safely.
- Marchers and horses will gather on 9th Street, between L and N.
- Cars and vendors will line up on 10th Street between L and N.
- The official starting line is at the Roundabout on Capitol Mall, between 9th and 10th.
- From there, it’s a grand loop: west on Capitol Mall, east back to 10th Street, right on 9th, left on N Street, and finally left on 10th Street.
It’s like a game of “follow the leader,” but with way more flags and probably a few tanks thrown in for good measure.
Parking: The Real Battle of the Day
Let’s face it: finding parking in downtown Sacramento can sometimes feel like trying to parallel park a battleship. But fear not! There are plenty of options near the Capitol Roundabout:
- L St. Lot: Perfect for those who like to park on corners.
- Capitol Garage: When you want your car to feel as important as the politicians inside.
- Capitol Place: Do not be confused with the actual Capitol unless you want some very confused looks from security.
- Metro Garage: Because nothing says “I support our troops,” like parking in a structure named after public transportation.
Vendors: A Patriotic Pop-up Mall
What’s a parade without a little shopping? The west side of the State Capitol Building will transform into a red, white, and blue bazaar. From 8 am to 10 am, it’ll look like a game of Tetris as vendors try to set up their 10’x10′ booths without stepping on each other’s toes (or flags).
Here’s a pro tip: if you see a tent flying away, it’s not a new military drone – it’s just a vendor who forgot to weigh down their canopy. Speaking of which, the VAC has made it clear: no stakes in the ground, folks. This isn’t a camping trip.
Who’s Who in the Booth Zoo
The vendor lineup reads like a who’s who of military and veteran support. Your Army National Guard is rubbing elbows with the Women’s Veterans Alliance. The Coast Guard and Air Force are showing up (probably still arguing over who has the cooler uniforms). And let’s not forget the American Legion Gung Ho Post 696 BSA Troop 380 – try saying that five times fast after a few patriotic beverages.
But wait, there’s more! You can chat with folks from the VA, learn about Tuskegee Airmen’s heritage, or even buy a car from Chevrolet. Nothing says “I love America” like purchasing a new pickup truck at a parade, right?
Food: Fuel for Your Patriotism
After all that marching, flag-waving, and booth-browsing, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Lucky for you, six food trucks will be standing by to serve up some all-American cuisine. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie? We can neither confirm nor deny, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed.
Join the Parade: Your Chance to Shine
Think you’ve got what it takes to be part of the parade? The VAC is looking for marching bands, floats, vintage vehicles, and entertainers. Just fill out their application form. Who knows? You might find yourself waving to the crowds atop a star-spangled float on November 11th.
The Grand Finale
As the last float turns the corner and the echoes of “The Star-Spangled Banner” fade away, stick around for the ceremony. Distinguished guest speakers, including military veterans and government officials, will take to the podium to honor our veterans and highlight the importance of mental health support.
So mark your calendars, dust off your American flag t-shirts, and get ready to show your support for the men and women who’ve served our country. The Sacramento Veterans Day Parade isn’t just an event – it’s a heartfelt “thank you” wrapped in red, white, and blue. See you there, patriots
Source: calvac.org
Header Image Source: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
