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 an 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.
“This year’s parade is about honoring our veterans while also continuing to build a strong sense of community in downtown Essex Junction,” said Mark Brislin, Director of Essex Junction Recreation & Parks. “We are excited about the opportunity to create more activity and gathering space around Five Corners while continuing the traditions that make this parade so special.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy several family-friendly food trucks and vendors along Main Street between Five Corners and Railroad Avenue throughout the day’s activities. Featured vendors currently include GLOW Nutrition, Mexicuban Cravings, Pinky Promise Pastry, Palmer Lane Maple Creemees, Grumpy Dogs, and St. Pierre Delicacy. Organizers hope the additional activity will encourage residents and visitors to spend more time downtown enjoying the community atmosphere, similar to the successful “Meet Me on Main” events held in recent years.
“This revised route allows us to improve safety operations, maintain emergency access, and create a more manageable traffic pattern during the event,” said Sgt. Ryon Sorrell of the Essex Police Department. “We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work together to continue making the parade a safe and enjoyable tradition for everyone.”
Main Street between Five Corners and Railroad Avenue, including the Five Corners intersection, will be closed beginning at 8:00 AM and will remain temporarily closed until approximately 2:00 PM to support parade operations, vendor activities, and pedestrian traffic. The remainder of the parade route is expected to reopen to traffic by approximately 11:30 AM. Emergency vehicle access will remain available throughout the event.
Parking for parade attendees will be available at Essex High School, Railroad Avenue near the Amtrak Station, and surrounding public areas. There is no parking permitted along Route 2A or Pearl Street during parade operations. Organizers also remind attendees parking in nearby shopping centers to remain aware of their vehicles and surroundings.
Parade viewing will be available along the entire route, with Five Corners expected to serve as a central gathering area for the day’s activities.
Organizers note that the revised route and extended downtown activity area are being implemented as a pilot approach for 2026 to evaluate overall operations, safety, traffic flow, and community engagement for future years.