Veterans Parade Returns Saturday with 'Music Across the Eras' Theme

The 17th Annual Riverside Veterans Parade marches into Downtown Saturday, powered primarily by community donations and a fundraiser car show as organizers work to rebuild city support for the beloved tradition.

"A vast majority of our funding comes directly from the community and our fundraiser car show," said Vice-Chair Joshua Felegy, explaining that while the parade once received substantial city funding, "that has unfortunately dwindled in recent years." Despite continued contributions from city and county leaders who support veterans, Felegy and Chairman Erik Perry have made increasing municipal involvement their primary goal.

"It is not cheap to put on a parade, but it's worth every penny for us to celebrate and honor our vets," Felegy said, adding that organizers are exploring format adjustments for future sustainability. "Our ultimate desire is to increase the community and city involvement, and make it a great event for all Riversiders to enjoy and take pride in."

The free event begins at 10 a.m. from Riverside City College on Magnolia Avenue at Ramona Drive, featuring marching bands, military vehicles, equestrian units, color guards, classic cars and floats celebrating this year's theme, "Soundtrack of Service: Music Across the Eras." The parade proceeds up Magnolia, which becomes Market Street, then turns right on 10th Street and right again on Main Street before concluding at the Historic Riverside County Courthouse.

An accompanying expo runs until 2 p.m. near the courthouse, featuring vendor booths, food trucks, live music and family activities.

The parade draws robust participation from veteran organizations including March Air Reserve Base, US Vets, American Legion and the Marine Honor Detail of the Riverside National Cemetery. Civilian supporters range from the Elks, scouts and Teen Challenge to high school JROTC units and dozens of local businesses. Clark's Nutrition, located along the parade route, has been particularly supportive over the years.

"One thing that I take pride in is both the vets who participate and those who also attend the parade," Felegy noted. "It's hard to put an exact number on it, but their presence is felt as we put on this great parade and expo."

Organizers have implemented multiple accommodations for veterans with mobility challenges. Shuttle drivers transport volunteers up and down the hill at the RCC staging area before the parade begins. ADA-accessible restrooms are positioned at the staging area, along the parade route and at the expo site.

Local law enforcement will manage traffic flow and ensure emergency vehicle access throughout Downtown. As with other major events like the Show and Go car show, multiple alternate routes remain available. All Downtown parking structures and courthouse parking lots will offer free parking for attendees, with the courthouse lots particularly convenient just a block from the parade route.

The veteran support extends well beyond Saturday's festivities. At 3 p.m., all veterans are invited to the Riverside Elks Lodge on Brockton Avenue for a complimentary lunch featuring burgers and live patriotic music—a chance to "mingle with other veterans of all ages," Felegy said.

Year-round, the parade committee partners with the VA, US Vets and Riverside Elks to provide ongoing support. Through the Riverside Veterans Committee, free dinners are offered monthly to any veteran who needs a meal. The organizations also collaborate on housing assistance for veterans experiencing homelessness.

"We partner with the VA, US Vets, and the Riverside Elks to support our veterans year-round," Felegy emphasized, underscoring how the parade serves as both a celebration and a connection point for veterans to access continuing services.

For additional information about the parade and expo, visit riversideveteranparade.org.