Here's What You Need To Know About Bowie's Memorial Day Parade

BOWIE, MD — The Memorial Day Parade will be Saturday and starts at 11 a.m. as a way to honor members of the armed services, both past and present. The parade will feature marching bands, performing groups, floats and local clubs and organizations.

Matt Corley, special events manager for the city of Bowie, told Patch that the parade's grand marshal will be Andrew Dobson, a United States Army and Vietnam veteran.

"Join the city of Bowie this Memorial Day weekend as we honor the brave men and women of our armed services who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," Corley said. "The parade will begin at 11 a.m. with some of the best viewing spots located along Sussex Lane. Free parking is available across the street at Bowie High School, located at 15200 Annapolis Road."

Due to road closures in the area, parade participants will not be able to be dropped off directly at the Bowie Annex this year. Instead, shuttle buses will be available to take parade participants and spectators from the Bowie High School parking lot to the Bowie Annex where parade staging will be taking place. Parents can ride the shuttle back to Bowie High School after dropping off their children with their assigned groups. The shuttle services will run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. After 10:30 a.m., everyone must walk to the annex, since road closures will be put in place ahead of the parade’s start. Those watching the parade can park on side streets along the parade route.

The parade starts at the Belair Annex on Belair Drive at 11 a.m. and winds down Belair Drive, then turns right onto Sussex Lane and ends at the corner of Sussex Lane and Stonybrook Drive. Vendors will be selling refreshments on Stonybrook Drive. The reviewing stand is on Sussex Lane near the intersection with Stonybrook Drive.

The parade will be broadcast live on the Bowie government channel (Verizon 10/Comcast 71).

"There are great viewing locations along the parade route. Bleachers will be available next to the reviewing stand. Attendees can also bring their own chairs or sit on the curb along the route, too," Corley said.

The top units in the parade will be recognized in a short ceremony at Acorn Hill Park following the parade. Judging categories are:

• Most Patriotic Marching Band
• Most Spirited Marching Band
• Best Vehicle
• Best Costume
• Best Non-Profit Float
• Best Commercial Float

There also will be a Memorial Day Ceremony Monday at 11 a.m. at the College Park Veterans Memorial. Everyone is encouraged to bring a photo of their veterans, both living and passed, to share on the Honors Table. The keynote speaker will be Lorinzo Foxworth with Organizational Learning & Workforce Development. The memorial is located at the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Greenbelt Road.

Related:

10 MD Fallen Service Members Honored At Memorial Day 2025 Event

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