Auburn’s 56th annual Veterans Day parade is Nov. 6

The city expects around 6,000 people to participate in the parade.

By Henry Stewart-Wood • November 5, 2021 5:45 pm

Visit the largest Veterans Day parade in Washington and one of the largest in the country on Saturday, Nov. 6, on Main Street in Auburn.

Auburn’s 56th annual Veterans Day parade begins at 11 a.m. The Auburn American Legion Post #78 will be hosting a breakfast from 7–9:30 a.m. at the Auburn Senior Activity Center. Plates of pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee will be served for $9 a plate.

The parade will begin with a flyover from a C-17 Globetrotter from McChord Air Force Base at 11 a.m. sharp, according to the City of Auburn. A King County Sheriff’s Office UH-1 “Huey” helicopter will also do a fly over at 11:15.

The parade procession will be jam-packed with numerous marching groups. You can expect to see marching bands from America’s First Corps Band from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Navy Band Northwest.

In addition to marching bands, antique military vehicles, honor guards, military marching units and multiple car and motorcycle clubs will also participate in the parade, according to the City of Auburn.

Spectators should arrive early to get a good spot. Food will be available from various vendors on Division Street, according to the City of Auburn.

At B Street Plaza, adjacent to the parade, Downtown Auburn Cooperative will be hosting a beer garden from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The beer garden is a collaboration between the cooperative and the VFW Post 1741, according to the City of Auburn.

Patrons of the beer garden can try out “Uncommon Valor” by Rail Hop’n Brewery that was created as a fundraiser for the VFW. The single malt IPA is brewed by veterans for veterans, according to the City of Auburn.

Other alcoholic beverages will also be available, and 50 cents from every purchase will be donated to the VFW, according to the City of Auburn.

The city expects around 6,000 people to participate in the parade, making it one of the largest of its kind in the United States. The goal of the parade is to honor veterans and active service members, according to the City of Auburn.

The parade will be held in accordance with state and county COVID-19 guidelines. All spectators 5 years and older are required to wear face masks during the parade. Proof of vaccination is also required for indoor dining and bars, according to the county.

For more information about the parade, visit the City of Auburn website.