SENC Veterans Parade, Sudan Shriners Parade happening back-to-back in Wilmington
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — For the first time ever, the Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade and the Sudan Shriners Parade will step off one after the other on Third Street in downtown Wilmington on Veterans Day this year.
The two parades combined will bring about 130 units of various kinds to the city that morning, creating one of the largest such events ever seen in Wilmington.
This year, the focus of the parade is honoring all veterans and raising awareness of Veteran suicide and prevention. Excess funds raised by the Parade will go to Sav-A-Vet a local group headed by Tony Vivaldi. He works in conjunction with Coastal Horizons to get veterans the help they need.
The Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hanover Street on Third Street and continues to Market Street, with a pre-parade show of dance and musical performances scheduled at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall. The event is free. Any veteran can be in the parade.
The SENC Veterans Parade is in its sixth year, bringing more than 90 units including marching bands, drill teams, veteran organizations, and public safety organizations together to salute veterans, active-duty military, and reservists. There will be a Flyover by the Bandits Flight team. The UNCW Seabelles will be singing the National Anthem.
The Sudan Shriners’ Fall Ceremonial Parade last stepped off 26 years ago, in 1997, in downtown Wilmington according to Sudan Shriners CEO Louis R. Smith III.
Smith described the Sudan Shriners as “one of the Shriners’ largest parade units,” featuring 36 to 39 units, including attractions such as motorized vehicles and a pirate ship. The Sudan Shriners’ parade will immediately follow the Veterans Parade.
For more information about the Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade, click here.
