Veteran’s Day Parade

Parade Information:

Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 10:00AM

The City of Edinburg is proud to announce the upcoming Veterans Day Parade, honoring those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The parade will take place along Closner Boulevard, affectionately known as the Boulevard of Heroes, on Saturday, November 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Floats may start lining up at 9:30 a.m.

The parade will start at the Richard R. Flores Stadium, located at the intersection of 1800 S. Stadium Dr. and Mark Peña Dr., and will conclude at Closner Boulevard and Kuhn Street. This highly anticipated annual event offers the community the opportunity to participate free of charge by entering a float or decorating their business along the parade route. Political entries, including incumbents, are welcome with a $250 registration fee. Schools, nonprofit organizations, and veterans’ groups may participate free of charge. All other participants are subject to a $50 registration fee.

To honor the spirit of the parade, all political entries will be placed at the end of the procession. All interested participants must complete a brief entry form to assist with announcements during the parade lineup.

Most Patriotic Float Competition: Participants are encouraged to enter the Most Patriotic Float Competition. Judging will focus on the overall appearance of the floats, with trophies awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place to the most patriotic floats. Vehicles smaller than a pick-up truck bed are not eligible for the float competition. Float judging will take place at 8:30 a.m., and all participants must be onboard at that time. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.

How to Participate:
To participate in the parade, register below, or download and email back the filled-out registration form, or bring the printed registration form to 315 W. McIntyre St. at the Edinburg ACE. We look forward to celebrating with the community and honoring our veterans' service on this memorable day! For further information or if you would like to join in this celebratory event, please contact us at (956) 388-8224.

VETERAN’S DAY PARADE: RULES AND REGULATIONS

Saturday, November 7, 2026 - 10:00 AM

** Entrants must observe all applicable rules and regulations or be barred from the parade.

The City of Edinburg reserves the right to remove from the parade, at any time, any entrant not conforming to rules and regulations or any entrant refusing to follow instructions of police or parade officials. All entries must be approved before entering the line of march. 

The following is a list of rules and regulations:

1. All entries must be in place by 9:30 A.M. The person signing the application must be present at the time of float inspection.

2. The deadline for parade entries is Monday, October 19, 2026.

3. The committee will require an inspection of floats prior to the parade. Floats inspected will be done in the staging areas (Richard R. Flores Stadium). You must be in your assigned space no later than 9:30 am.

4. Parade numbers used to identify entries must be on the right side of the windshield so that spectators and television cameras can easily see them.

5. There must be an adult on floats where there are children. We ask that all adults, children, and walkers be clothed in costumes pertaining to the theme of the parade.

6. Throwing of objects/gifts by parade entrants to the spectators will not be allowed.

7. Parade participants should ask their own insurance agents if their insurances offer them sufficient protection while their unit/floats are in the parade. You must have proof of liability vehicle insurance.

8. Individuals and organizations are expected to perform courteously, in good taste, and with safety in mind at all times during the parade.

9. All parade entrants, including equestrian, band, marching units, drill teams, and colorful performing groups must follow the theme commemorating all servicemen and women.

10. It is the responsibility of parents with children participating in the parade to make necessary arrangements to have children met and picked up at the Hidalgo County Elections Office parking lot located on Peter St. and Closner at the end of the parade.

11. The maximum allowable height for the floats is 12 feet.

12. Please send a description or history of your entry to be used by parade announcers along the parade route. Submit with the parade application.

13. Political entries will have a fee of $250 and be placed towards the end of the parade line up. Political entries are described as entries promoting the election of a candidate for an elected office. 

14. Veterans, school districts, and non-profit organizations may participate free of charge. All other participants will be required to pay a fee of $50.

15. No one will get on or off a float or other entry once the parade has started down the parade route. The route will be from Richard R. Flores Stadium on Mark S. Peña Drive to end on Kuhn St & Closner Blvd. The route will be about a mile and a half long traveling North on Closner Blvd.

16. A copy of the parade rules signed by the person in charge of the entry must be in their possession at the time of the inspection. A copy of the signed rules must also be attached to the signed application.

17. No parade participant will be allowed to have a loaded firearm at any time.

18. No smoking or beverages will be allowed on any parade entry at any time before or during the parade. Safety comes first at all times.

19. Marching units/entries must be preceded by marchers carrying a banner or sign which can be read at a distance of 100 feet and displayed in a way that the sign or banner can be read in all weather conditions. The parade is a rain or shine event.

20. Lone riders will not be permitted in the parade, anyone wishing to ride a horse in the parade must be affiliated with and ride with an approved group.

21. Floats will be judged based on the following: Creativity, Spirit, Patriotism

22. All Competitive floats need to be at their designated space at the time of the judging by 9:30 a.m.

23. Please limit the amount of pending decorations at the float staging area.

Float Criteria

1. Creativity

   (How original, imaginative, and visually engaging is the float?)

   Participants are encouraged to go beyond traditional designs by incorporating thoughtful, artistic elements that tell a story or convey a message about veterans’ service. Creativity can be expressed through structure, movement, music, or thematic elements.

   Examples of creativity:

   ●        A float shaped like a folded American flag that unfolds during the parade.

   ●        A timeline display showing veterans from different wars (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq/Afghanistan).

   ●        Use of animated or moving parts, handmade props, or unexpected materials.

2. Spirit

   (Does the float evoke a sense of pride, emotion, or community appreciation for veterans?)

   Spirit reflects the heart of the float. Entries should aim to stir emotion—whether it’s solemn respect, heartfelt gratitude, or patriotic celebration. Personal touches and community involvement are highly encouraged.

   Examples of spirit:

   ●        Veterans riding on the float, wearing their uniforms or displaying their medals.

   ●        Involvement of local school children, scout troops, or youth groups singing patriotic songs or holding thank-you signs.

   ●        Tribute walls with names or photos of local veterans (with permission). 

3. Patriotism

   (Does the float respectfully and clearly display national pride and honor toward veterans?)

   Patriotism should be a core element of every float. Displays should reflect a deep respect for the flag, military traditions, and the values of service and sacrifice. Over-commercialization or unrelated themes should be avoided.

   Examples of patriotism:

   ●        Prominent use of the American flag, red, white, and blue color schemes.

   ●        Incorporation of military branch insignias or symbols (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force).

   ●        Patriotic music, respectful military salutes, or recitation of quotes from veterans or historical figures.

   Additional Guidelines

   ●        All content must be appropriate for a family-friendly event.

   ●        Floats must not include political campaigning, commercial advertising, or divisive messaging.