HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND: Veterans Day Parade in Wilmington
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade will take place this weekend in downtown Wilmington, honoring veterans, active-duty military, and reservists for their service and sacrifice.
The festivities will kick off with a Pre-Parade Show at 10 a.m. in front of Thalian Hall on 3rd Street, featuring Beaches and Boots Line Dancers, the Veterans Day Brass Quintet, and a performance of the National Anthem by the UNCW Seabelles, an a cappella group. Local bagpiper Jack O’Connell will also be part of the pre-parade lineup.
The parade itself will begin at 11 a.m., starting on Hanover Street and moving down 3rd Street before concluding near Market and 2nd Streets. Organizer Si Cantwell advises spectators to find a spot along the route, with the best viewing areas near Thalian Hall, where some performances will pause for introductions by a local radio personality.
This year’s parade boasts an impressive lineup, including 12 marching bands and four pipe and drum bands, headlined by the East Carolina University (ECU) Marching Band. Following the parade, the ECU band will perform a 15-minute set at Market and 3rd Streets near City Hall.
Additionally, the Veterans Information Fair will be hosted at Eagle’s Dare. The fair will feature tables from 20 organizations offering services and resources for veterans and their families. Port City Plates, a local food truck, will be available, and Jeff Gordon Chevrolet, the parade’s main sponsor, will have a display set up as well.
You can view the parade route and other information here.
