Essex Memorial Day Parade

The Essex Memorial Day Parade will celebrate its 39th year on Saturday, May 23, 2026, honoring the men and women who have served our country under this year’s theme, “All Gave Some, Some Gave All.”

The day will begin with a pre-parade ceremony at 9:30 AM at Five Corners featuring patriotic music, recognition of this year’s Grand Marshal, wreath placement at Veterans Memorial Park, and remarks honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

At 10:00 AM sharp, the parade will officially step off from Gate F at the Champlain Valley Exposition. Participants are asked to be in place no later than 9:30 AM.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Thomas Cilley, a United States Army veteran who served with the 5th Infantry Division in Vietnam for more than 14 months and achieved the rank of Specialist 5 (SP5). Cilley has been a longtime member of the Essex community and active supporter of local veterans organizations and community initiatives.

The parade route will leave the Exposition grounds via the access road to Route 2A South (Lincoln Street), continue through Five Corners — home of the reviewing stand and ceremony — and then proceed west on Route 15 (Pearl Street) before concluding near Gate G of the Exposition grounds by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6689. The total parade distance is approximately 1.5 miles.

The updated route was developed collaboratively between Essex Junction Recreation & Parks, the Memorial Day Parade Committee, and the Essex Police Department to improve public safety, operational efficiency, and the overall community experience.