Community groups are encouraged to join the lineup for the Memorial Day parade in DeKalb.
Memorial Day activities on May 29 begin with the parade at 9 a.m. followed by a program on the Ellwood House lawn at 9:30.
Each year, new entries are invited to join the parade to strengthen this important community event honoring those military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Veterans’ organizations, youth sports teams, service groups, nonprofit organizations, clubs, and members of the faith community are just some of the groups that would make great additions to the parade. Since Memorial Day is a solemn holiday, participants are asked to refrain from displaying or carrying advertising materials and political banners.
The staging of parade entries begins at 8:30 a.m. at North Third and Locust Street. The parade steps off at 9 a.m. heading west on Locust Street, which was dedicated as DeKalb’s Honorary Veterans Way in 2020. The parade then goes north on Linden Place.
The procession is followed by a program on the Ellwood House lawn and then free first-floor tours of the Ellwood Mansion.
Groups interested in joining the parade can fill out the online form found here. There is no participation fee. It is asked that forms be submitted by Friday, May 12.
The Memorial Day events are a collaboration of the City of DeKalb, DeKalb Park District and Ellwood House Museum.
Questions may be directed to Scott Zak at scott.zak@cityofdekalb.com or 815-748-2396.