Does anything pique small-town American nostalgia like a Veteran's Day parade? Riverside isn't quite a small town anymore, but the parade route down Market can surely feel like another place and time. The classic holiday parade is emblematic of the best of us. Of course, this parade, The Salute to Veterans Parade & Expo, will honor our nation's veterans with a vibrant celebration on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Event chair and board member since 2007, Jeffery Crumbaker, became involved through his company's association with veterans events. The Patrician Group designs, manufactures, and installs architectural metalwork. He gave us just a few highlights: "I have been privileged to be engaged in the creation of numerous public projects, including the Wall of Honor at City Hall, the sword and stone Veterans monument by the County admin building, and the Eagle & lites memorial within that building's lobby, and I designed the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial at the Riverside National Cemetery."
A Salute to Veterans is a lot of work, but Jeffery looks forward to the event and is happy to honor our vets with the parade. Jeff says about the event, “Riverside’s Salute to Veterans Parade has been staged annually since 2006 and has included as many as 130 participating organizations, 2500 marchers, and over 5000 spectators.” He continues, “Its Mission is to recognize and honor the thousands of local Veterans and active duty service members in Riverside. This year, we will also include an EXPO that is comprised of public and private agencies, both profit and non-profit, that offer services or products of special interest or value to veterans.”
This free, family-friendly parade will feature a variety of attractions that highlight the service and sacrifice of veterans from different eras. Attendees can look forward to marching bands, equestrian units, color guards, military vehicles, classic cars, floats, and more. It's a perfect opportunity to recognize local heroes and share in a day of pride and gratitude.
The parade will begin at Riverside Community College on Magnolia Avenue at Ramona Drive and proceed up Magnolia Avenue, which transitions into Market Street. It will then turn right on 10th Street and right on Main Street, concluding at the Historic Riverside County Courthouse at Main and 12th Street. Spectators can enjoy excellent viewing points along Market Street, 10th Street, and Main Street.
Near the Historic Courthouse on Main, there will be a Parade Expo, with booths, food, live music, and family fun. Free parking is available in Downtown parking structures and at metered spots. For more details, including photos, route maps, and information on participating, visit https://www.asalutetoveteran.org/
