Lexington County Veterans Day Parade returns Nov. 1

Lexington County will come together Sunday, Nov. 1, for the 2026 Lexington County Veterans Day Parade, a community tradition honoring the men and women who have served the United States.

The parade begins at 3 p.m. in downtown Lexington and will include local veterans, military organizations, schools, civic groups and community members on Lexington's Main Street for an afternoon of recognizing military veterans and service members.

“For our veterans, this parade is about more than recognition. It’s a reminder that their service mattered, their sacrifices are remembered and their community is still standing behind them,” said Edward “Ed” Lundeen, Lexington County Veterans Affairs director. “When you see families lining Main Street, children waving flags and neighbors taking the time to say thank you, it means something. We want every veteran in Lexington County, no matter when or where they served, to know that this community is grateful for them.”

The parade will line up at Butler and Haygood streets before heading to Main Street. From there, participants will travel down Main Street, turn onto South Lake Drive and finish at the Lexington County Administration Building, 212 S. Lake Drive.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early, find a spot along the route and bring the family.

Parade information and route details are available online at https://lex-co.sc.gov/news/2026-10/veterans-day-parade-application-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com.

Veterans, military organizations, schools, civic groups, businesses and other community organizations are invited to participate. There is no entry fee, and applications are due Friday, Oct. 16.

Parade applications are available on the Lexington County government website. Completed applications can be mailed to Lexington County Veterans Parade, Attn: Sharon Willis, 1152 Danwood Ave., Lexington, SC 29073

Applications may also be requested or submitted electronically by contacting Sharon Willis at sjswillis57@yahoo.com. For questions, contact Willis at 803-237-9617 or the Lexington County Veterans Affairs Office at 803-785-8400.

“Bring a flag, bring the family and join Lexington County in saying thank you to the veterans who have served our nation and our community,” the county said in a news release.

For safety, participants should not throw candy from vehicles or floats. Candy may be handed out by those walking with an entry. The parade is first and foremost an event to honor veterans, so participants are also asked not to distribute business promotional materials along the route.