The Rotary Clubs of Jasper and Smith Lake will host the fifth annual Veterans Appreciation Boat Parade Saturday, Aug. 26.
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.
“This is a great way to honor our veterans and highlight the lake,” said Anthony Christian, organizer of the parade.
Christian estimated 40 boats took part in the parade last year and is hopeful for even more this year.
“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. “And if veterans don’t have a boat and want to ride, we will have plenty of room for them to ride in one of the boats.”
