Veterans Day Parade

Event Details

Honoring All Who Served the Unites States of America is the theme of the Veterans Day Parade, sponsored by the City of San Marcos with assistance from the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. The parade is held annually the Saturday before Veterans Day. The 2023 parade is scheduled to take place on November 11.  

Veterans groups, military organizations, civic clubs, bands, drill teams, public officials, equestrians, youth teams, classic vehicles and others are invited to join the Veterans Day Parade. There is no fee to participate. Pre-parade activities will take place on the Hays County Courthouse lawn beginning at 9am. The parade route will begin on Hopkins St. and wind through downtown San Marcos.  

Community members can also participate in a Month of Service during the month of November.

Parade Entry

2022 Parade Rules and Guidelines (pdf)

2022 Parade Entry Form

Parade Route

The parade will begin on Hopkins Street at the intersection of CM Allen Parkway and will travel toward the Hays County Courthouse. After passing the Courthouse, the parade will turn left onto Guadalupe Street, then turn left onto San Antonio Street, travel down San Antonio Street and turn left onto CM Allen Parkway. The parade will then turn right onto Hopkins Street where they will return to the line-up area for disbanding. Street closures for the parade will begin at 7:30am.

Parking

Parking is available at City Park, the Old Fish Hatchery Building, and Rio Vista Park. Additional limited parking will be available downtown outside of the road closure area. Handicap parking is available at Veramendi Plaza Park.

Kiwanis Club Kids Bicycle Brigade

The Kiwanis Club of San Marcos is celebrating 100 years of service to youth in our community! 

Get your bikes and helmets ready to show your support for Veterans by decorating and riding your bike in the parade. The San Marcos Kiwanis Club will be on hand to help you decorate your bikes, trikes, and scooters from 9-10am preceding the parade. Free flags, streamers, and sign materials will be available on the Courthouse lawn. Kids will then join in as the Kiwanis Club members escort you into the parade and ride around the Courthouse. Ages 5 and older please. Pre-registration is not necessary. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a free bicycle.

Austin Area Marine Corps Toys for Tots

The Austin Area Marine Corps Toys for Tots program is a donation based non-profit program that collects new, unwrapped toys starting October 1 through the beginning of December to hand out to local families in need during the holiday season. Toy donations come from businesses, workplaces, and schools that register to become a toy collection site. Monetary donations are also accepted, and go toward the purchase of toys. To register to receive toys or to donate, please visit their website or call 512-773-2405.

Parade spectators are encouraged to bring toys to drop off during the parade at the marked collection site located Downtown at the announcer's podium. The Austin Area Marine Corps Toys for Tots will also be collecting toys from their parade float.