Parade Procedures and Guidelines

The Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade is an annual event that is made up of representatives from the five military installations in the area, military organizations for active and retired soldiers, JROTC members, military and high school bands, equestrienne and motorcycle groups.  All participants are required to complete the registration form. Registration for the parade is generally available from May through September; closing on September 30th each year.

Local businesses, politicians, other nonmilitary community group are not eligible for this parade.    The focus of the parade is on the military living in our community and their service to our country.

Insurance

The parade is required to carry event insurance. One of the insurance stipulations for the parade is that distribution of literature, throwing candy or soliciting for business or charities is not allowed. 

If your group will have a truck, flat bed, or float it must meet Colorado Motor Vehicle safety regulations. Flat beds and floats also must have some type of guard rails for adults and children riding on the vehicle to insure there are no accidental dismounting of individuals.

Individual Military Soldiers or Veterans 

If you are not part of a military organization, we have a place for you in the parade too. The Military Vehicle Collectors of Colorado have vintage vehicles that they bring to the parade each year. They make these vehicles available for driving individual veterans from any year of service so they can be in the parade and be recognized for their service. This is a special time for these soldiers to meet one another, share stories and even make friends for the future. If you are interested in participating in this manner, please call the Parade Office to obtain the information on this group. I am sorry, but we do not have arrangements for a single serviceman or woman to march down the parade as a solo entry.

Motorcycles  

If you are part of a military organization that has motorcycles, the motorcycles must be entered on a separate registration form with a maximum of 15 motorcycles per group being accepted. If units are merging with one another to form a large cycle group, motorcycles are still limited to 15 for the merged group. 

Parade Line Up, Staging and Recovery Maps and specific Parade Day Instructions will be posted by October 15. 

The Staging and Recovery areas are available only to vehicles that are in the parade or busses that are transporting Bands and JROTC units. Businesses and residents that need access to any barricaded streets will be able to request a pass from the parade office to access their parking facility.

During the parade – Do Your best to stay 25-35 feet (2 car lengths) behind the entry in front of you. We want to give ample time for the announcers at Pikes Peak to describe your group as it approaches the Viewing Stand.  We do not have time for groups to stop and perform. Please help us keep the parade flowing smoothly from start to finish. 

Equestrienne Groups

You are required to provide a pooper scooper for your animals.

You will receive special instructions with your Line Up Information regarding the parking of your horse trailers/vans and how you will access the staging area. It is important that you follow this information as you will not be staging your horses in the Main Staging area.

If you need to drop out of the parade, please call the Parade Office at 719-413-1905.

Questions regarding the parade can be directed to the Parade Admin 719-413-1905 or 

Roger Ehrke at 719-660-2966.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Board of Directors

Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade