Anticipating up to 20,000 spectators, Palm Springs will host its 25th annual Veterans Day Parade on Friday, Nov. 11, with the theme "Honoring All Who Served," a city news release said.
With not only a parade but fireworks and a concert, the Veterans Day event honors and pays tribute to all who have served in the nation's armed forces, Palm Springs Communications Director Amy Blaisdell said in the release.
For those attending, getting a spot early is the best advice. Blaisdell anticipates quite a crowd when the parade begins at 3:30 p.m. on Palm Canyon Drive at Ramon Road and heads north concluding at Alejo Road. As part of the observance, Blaisdell said, the Palm Springs High School Spirit of the Sands Band will perform a post-parade patriotic concert on the corner of Palm Canyon and Amado Road. Fireworks will be the grand finale for the day.
Celebrating its 25th year, this parade got its start through community members who wanted to recognize and thank military members and their families for their service to the country, Blaisdell said. While many towns hold a Veterans Day observance, Palm Springs' event stands out. According to Blaisdell, it is one of 60 events nationwide to be designated as a regional site for Veterans Day observance. This designation comes from the Veterans Day National Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The parade has many sponsors to thank for its success, Blaisdell said. Benefactors include the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Matich Corporation, Jessup Auto Plaza, Desert Care Network, Keenan Associates, Dokken Engineering, Donna MacMillan, Burrtec, Tom Martin and Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.
Any business or individual interested in becoming a sponsor for this event is asked to contact parade coordinator Michele Cirone-Collier at 760-323-8265 or through email at michele.cirone-collier@palmspringsca.gov.