The Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday on North Third Street, after a 10 a.m. pre-show at City Hall. Streets close 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade marches through downtown Wilmington on Saturday, Nov. 7. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. on North Third Street, and a pre-show starts at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall.

The details come from the parade organizers’ own event page. They say the parade exists “to provide a venue to bring together and honor all U.S. military veterans each year on or near Veterans Day.” Veterans Day itself is the following Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Route and times

  • 10 a.m.: pre-show on Third Street in front of City Hall
  • 11 a.m.: the parade starts at the corner of Hanover Street and North Third Street
  • Route: south on North Third Street through downtown
  • Finish: Market Street and North Third Street

The organizers say the best viewing is along the sidewalks of North Third Street. They suggest arriving early, especially near Market Street, where the parade ends.

What you will see

According to the organizers, the parade brings together:

  • military units and active-duty service members
  • veterans organizations
  • high school marching bands
  • classic military vehicles
  • community groups and special honorees

The parade also hosts a Veterans Celebration and Information Fair. Organizations that serve veterans and their families set up to talk with the people who come out for the parade. The organizers had not posted a time or location for the fair as of Monday.

Streets that close

NCDOT’s DriveNC list shows all lanes closed in both directions from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday on:

Street Between
Hanover Street North Front Street and North Third Street
North Third Street Hanover Street and Market Street
Market Street South Second Street and Third Street

NCDOT does not list a detour. Our road closures page has the rest of this week’s work around the city.

Marching in it

Veterans, veterans groups, military organizations, first responders and school marching bands can take part at no cost, the organizers say. Entry is through the application form on the parade’s website. Questions about marching, sponsoring or volunteering go to the organizers at 910-279-0956 or sencvetparade@gmail.com.

What it means for you

  • Going to watch: be on North Third Street before 11 a.m., or by 10 a.m. for the pre-show at City Hall.
  • Driving downtown Saturday morning: expect Third, Market and Hanover streets near City Hall to be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and allow extra time.
  • Looking for more to do this month: see our things to do in Wilmington listings.