The Rotary Clubs of Jasper and Smith Lake will host the fourth annual Veterans Appreciation Boat Parade Saturday.
Boats will begin lining up at 9:30 a.m. at Duncan Bridge Marina. The parade will start at 10 a.m.
The parade route is: North under Duncan Bridge to Devil’s Branch. Turn around at the Fredericks Marine dock. South under bridge. Stay on main body to Little Dismal. Enter and turn around to head back to Duncan Bridge Marina.
The parade typically lasts for one hour. The parade is open to anyone, though veterans are especially welcome. There is no cost to join. The clubs will serve grilled hamburgers and hot dogs at Duncan Marina after the parade.
“We started this four years ago as a way to honor our veterans and highlight the lake,” said Anthony Christian, organizer of the parade.
A flyover by the Big Red Air Racing Team has been added to the event this year, Christian added.
Between 30 and 40 boats usually take part in the parade. Christian said he expects this year to be bigger due to the feedback he has received.
“You don’t have to have a boat to come. We also want people who live on the route to come out and cheer and wave to the veterans as we go by,” Christian said.
