APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The nation’s oldest Flag Day parade will once again honor “Old Glory” this June, and organizers have announced a significant change to the Appleton Flag Day Parade’s route.
Held annually on the second Saturday in June since 1950, the Appleton Flag Day Parade is once again set to attract hundreds of participants and more than 50,000 spectators to Downtown Appleton. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes, and New Beginnings.”
This year, however, a significant change has been made to its route, utilizing the same route as the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade. Officials say the new route is more ‘contained’ and will move east along College Avenue from State Street to Drew Street.
The Parade Committee reportedly made the decision to change the route with the support of the City of Appleton after discussing “security options and safety considerations.”
“This adjustment was not made lightly,” said Corey Otis, Chairperson of the City of Appleton Parades Committee. “But safety is our paramount responsibility as we continue a tradition that brings our community together each year.”
By concentrating the parade footprint, officials say the City will “be better positioned to deploy resources and expertise effectively while preserving the spirit of Flag Day in Appleton.”
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The Flag Day parade is a proud tradition in Appleton that brings our community together. While it is unfortunate that we live in a time when we have to consider and be proactive about risks to these types of events, I am grateful to the Parade Committee for their thoughtful leadership and fully support this decision – most importantly, I look forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of this storied parade and the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.
Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford
The parade will begin at 2 p.m. on June 13 and will be broadcast on WFRV on-air, online, and on WFRV+.
WFRV Local 5 is the official media partner of the Appleton Parade Committee. The Appleton Flag Day Parade has been broadcast on WFRV-TV since 1989.
Organizations interested in participating in the 75th Appleton Flag Day Parade must complete and submit an official application before April 15.
More information can be found here.
