With Veterans Day coming up next week, Pocatello is among the many cities across the country celebrating in one form or another.
The Pocatello Veterans Day Parade committee is hosting its 4th annual parade to celebrate veterans and first responders in the Pocatello area, including police, highway patrol and the fire department.
In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, committee chair Chip Wangelin said the purpose of the parade is plain and simple.
“There isn’t any kind of entry fee or anything and we don’t have any prizes,” Wangelin said. “It’s just a matter of celebrating America’s heroes.”
The parade is completely run by volunteers, and sees several companies participate with floats, including Idaho Central Credit Union and veterans service organization such as American Legion and the DFW, along with other private businesses and individuals.
One of the main events in this year’s parade will feature a World War II jet.
“We have a flyover planned from the Rexburg Legacy Flight Museum,” Wangelin said. “They’re planning on flying T-6’s over and usually the flyovers get a pretty good response from the community. We get a lot of community support with several thousand people coming to watch the parade.”
Wangelin’s credits the community support in helping the parade continue each year through donations.
“This year we haven’t pushed too hard for donations because we were able to raise enough last year to pay for this year also,” Wangelin said.
Funds are used for many things, including the flyover, having the city trolly bus come through, permits from the city, insurance and port-o-potties, among other things.
Wangelin hopes people can come out and support the veterans in the area.
“It’s just a good opportunity to get together,” Wangelin said. “Get out and see your veterans in the community and see what they do.”
The parade begins Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. and will run until 2 p.m. There will be food trucks available at Caldwell Park in downtown Pocatello.
To make donations to the parade, send an email to pocatelloveteransdayparade@gmail.com.