OCTOBER 6, 2010
Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade and Festival
ANTHEM – The Daisy Mountain Veterans organization will hold its 6th Annual Veterans Parade and Festival in Anthem on Saturday, Nov. 6 to honor all those who have served in our nation’s military.
Grand Marshals for the parade this year will be the members of Troop 1/A of the Arizona Rough Riders. This unit served prominently under the command of Theodore Roosevelt during the famous charge up San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War. Today, with a special commission from the Governor of Arizona, “A” Troop is a ceremonial and re-enactment unit dedicated to honoring all veterans while accurately portraying Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.
The parade will step off promptly at 10 a.m. from King Drive following a fly-over and landing by an Army “Blackhawk” helicopter. The line of march will be north on Gavilan Peak Parkway, east on Anthem Way, south on Freedom Way, ending at the Anthem Community Center. Other participants will include the Prescott Regulators, the Shriners, the Red Hatters, the 108th U.S. Army Marching Band, Smokey the Bear, ProMusica, the Shady Ladies, local school groups, numerous civic and social organizations, and a large contingent of fire vehicles, military equipment and floats, including models of the Battleship Arizona, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
Last November the parade attracted more than 20,000 people, and the turnout this year is expected to top that. “This has become the largest veterans’ celebration in Arizona,” said Chairwoman Mary Ann Derryberry. “It’s a great family event you won’t want to miss.”
Brief ceremonies will take place following the parade at around 12:30 p.m., with the U.S. Army posting the colors, and the ProMusica Youth Choir performing the National Anthem. Spectators are encouraged to participate in the festivities that will then begin in earnest. Festival hours have been extended until 7 p.m. this year to accommodate numerous bands and other acts that will perform throughout the day at the main stage. The expanded food court will feature 15 vendors offering a broad menu of hot and cold fare. Adults may enjoy the beer garden and the games there, including a mechanical bull and an inflatable driving range. There will be plenty of activities for the children as well, including age-appropriate bouncies, obstacle courses, slides, laser-tag, a game trailer and a trackless train. The Phoenix Police Department will conduct a K-9 demonstration, while the Boy Scouts will hold a flag-retirement ceremony. In addition, the “Blackhawk” helicopter, the floats and other military equipment will be available for inspection.
The Daisy Mountain Veterans will also participate with the Marine Corps this year in the “Toys for Tots” program. Those attending the festivities are urged to bring along a new toy to be distributed to a needy child this holiday season. Collection boxes will be placed at several locations along the parade route. Plan on arriving early to take advantage of VIP parking at the South lot, just $5 per vehicle.
For more information: Jim Oliveri, 623-243-7998, [email protected]. For sponsorships: Kyle Morgan. 480-818-5624, [email protected].