Flag Day Parade

Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On June 9, Broadway will be the site of the 51st Annual Flag Day Parade, hosted by the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161. 

This year’s parade will take place on June 9 and celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and focus on the contributions all Elk Lodges make to their communities. Area District Lodges have been encouraged to display themes including veterans, American-ism, drug awareness, youth activities, senior outreach, participation in food pantries and backpack programs, scholarship programs, and the New York State Elks Major Project is cerebral palsy.

Entertainment includes high school and local bands, the Schenectady Pipe Band, musical singing groups, riders on horseback, pony-drawn carriages, and numerous large trucks and military entries. Rounding out the line-up is a very special performance by the 150-member Avant Garde Alumni Drum Corps. Well-known from the 70’s, Avant Garde was the perennial New York State Champions, capturing the International Drum Corps Championship title five years in a row. In addition, a video of the parade will be shown during the 2018 Elks Grand Lodge Convention in San Antonio, in July.

Spectators will find plenty of entertainment for all ages, with high school and local bands, the legendary favorite Schenectady Pipe Band, musical singing groups, Girl and Boy Scout Troops, Youth Sports groups, local and military organizations, riders on horseback, pony-drawn carriages, and numerous large trucks and military entries.

Susan Waghorn, Exalted Ruler and Chairperson of this year’s parade, announced retired Lt. Col. Nicholas Laiacona, Vietnam Veteran, as this year’s Honorary Grand Marshal, and Old Timer of the Year. Past District Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler Patrick Mansfield is the Grand Marshal.

The parade begins on North Broadway at Noon and finishes at Congress Park. For more information contact 518-584-2585.