Memorial Day parade returns to DeKalb this year

DeKALB – After a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, DeKalb’s annual Memorial Day parade will return to the downtown area this year.

The event will take place May 30, with the parade lineup beginning at 8:30 a.m. at North Third and Locust streets, according to a news release from the city. The parade is expected to start at 9 a.m.

Lane reconstruction is planned for Lincoln Highway this summer, so officials said the parade will go west down Locust Street before turning north on Linden Place.

Anyone interested in joining the parade can fill out a participation form at https://tinyurl.com/2p9eebas or on the city’s website, cityofdekalb.com. There is no participation fee. The form should be returned to City Hall, 164 E. Lincoln Highway, by May 13.

The city is looking for veterans organizations, youth sports teams, service groups, nonprofit organizations, clubs and members of the faith community to join the parade.

“Since Memorial Day is a solemn holiday, participants are asked to refrain from displaying or carrying advertising material and political banners,” according to the release.

A program on the Ellwood House lawn, 420 E. Linden Place, and a free tour of the first floor of the Ellwood Mansion museum will follow the parade.

Activities planned for the day are made possible through a collaboration between the city of DeKalb, the DeKalb Park District and the Ellwood House Museum.