T.J. Fetters, grand marshal of the 2025 Yuba-Sutter Veterans Day Parade, rides through downtown Marysville in a military Jeep. This year's parade returns Nov. 11, honoring veterans while celebrating America's 250th birthday. Photo courtesy of Chris Pedigo

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Downtown Marysville will once again fill with patriotic spirit on Wednesday, Nov. 11, as the 24th annual Yuba-Sutter Veterans Day Parade brings together veterans, active-duty service members and community organizations to honor those who have served.

This year's parade, themed "Supporting Our Troops: Past, Present, and Future," will also commemorate America's 250th birthday. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at Seventh and D streets in historic downtown Marysville, proceeding down D Street before turning left onto Second Street and then left again onto C Street, concluding at Fifth and C streets. The procession is expected to last approximately two hours.

The parade traditionally opens with a military color guard and features entries from nearby Beale Air Force Base, veterans organizations, community groups and local businesses. Marine Corps veteran Mike Fitzgerald, a longtime member of the parade committee, will serve as this year's grand marshal.

T.J. Fetters, a former grand marshal and longtime member of the Veterans Day Parade Committee, recently discussed the upcoming celebration during an appearance on the 93Q Morning Show. Fetters said the event typically draws between 150 and nearly 200 entries, with participation open to both military and civilian groups.

"We have a good spattering of veterans and civilians," Fetters said. "And it's a wonderful day to honor our veterans."

Unlike many community parades, the Yuba-Sutter Veterans Day Parade charges no entry fee, a tradition Fetters said is made possible through community donations and fundraising efforts. Organizers are accepting parade entries through Nov. 4, although late registrations may be accommodated toward the end of the procession if space permits.

Participants are encouraged to arrive between 8 and 10 a.m. to check in at the registration table along D Street between Sixth and Seventh streets. All entries must be in position by 10:15 a.m.

For safety reasons, candy and other parade favors may only be distributed by walkers accompanying entries. Throwing items from vehicles is prohibited. The parade committee is also seeking volunteers to assist with street barricades, flag and balloon distribution, and other parade-day activities. Those interested in lending a hand are requested to arrive at 7 a.m. Nov. 11 at the registration area near the former Bank of America building along D Street.

"It's a great, great thing for people to recognize their past veterans, their present veterans and the ones that are coming into service," Fetters said. "And tell them thank you, you know."

Those interested in participating can contact Parade Committee Chair Crystal Johnson at [email protected] or Fetters at 530-301-9054 for registration and volunteer information.