What to Know About the Celebrate Birmingham Parade This Sunday

The Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade returns this weekend to start the summer season with marching bands, a whiskers and waggles pet parade, and a special focus on our local veterans.

“We’re so excited about this year’s parade,” said Celebrate Birmingham Chairwoman Sandy Debicki. “We’ve worked really hard to make this event even better than years past and we can’t wait to see all the smiling faces as we strike up the band and let the drums roll.”

Debicki said between 80 and 100 veterans representing nearly a dozen different veteran's groups from around southeast Michigan plan to attend.

"So many of these veterans never get thanked for what they've done and sacrificed for our country, and it's going to be great to thank and honor them together," she said.

Heading downtown to watch the parade this weekend, or maybe you're marching in it? Here's what you need to know before you go:

• Start time: 1 p.m. Sunday
• Theme: ‘Red, White & Blue’
• Watch out for: More than 50 units, stilt walkers, clowns and unicyclists will entertain the crowds, and those along the parade route will receive treats and giveaways from participants. Children will show off their favorite animal friends in the Whiskers and Waggles Pet Parade. 
• Stick around for: Kids activities in Shain Park and a special tribute to veterans.

If you go to watch

Parade route:

The Celebrate Birmingham Parade will continue using the route introduced last year, with a little change at the start. Instead of beginning on South Old Woodward at Brown Street, organizers moved the launch a block south at Daines Street. The parade then travels north on Old Woodward, turns west on Maple and south on Bates Street before concluding in Shain Park.

Spots to watch:

• Line South Old Woodward for a first glimpse of all the action as the parade begins.
• Snag a spot at the intersection of Old Woodward and Maple to make sure you catch all the commentary from the announcer's booth, located in front of Cosi.
• Catch the last turn at Maple and Bates near the newly renovated Surnow building.
• Watch the end of the parade by staking out a spot near Baldwin Public Library and in Shain Park.

Keep an eye out:

The Whiskers and Waggles Pet Parade will return this year. Students from Birmingham's elementary and middle schools will show off their favorite furry friends, all the while dressing to the parade's theme.

Stick around for:

• A 'Salute to Veterans' ceremony is planned for immediately after the parade in Shain Park. A hospitality tent with light refreshments will be available.
• The Junior League of Birmingham will host an afternoon of games and activities for kids in Shain Park from 1-4 p.m.

Look for information and updates about parade parking and how to avoid the crowds if you're not participating in Friday's Birmingham Patch.