Community groups are encouraged to join the lineup for the Memorial Day parade in DeKalb. 

Memorial Day activities on May 29 begin with the parade at 9 a.m. followed by a program on the  Ellwood House lawn at 9:30. 

Each year, new entries are invited to join the parade to strengthen this important community event  honoring those military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 

Veterans’ organizations, youth sports teams, service groups, nonprofit organizations, clubs, and  members of the faith community are just some of the groups that would make great additions to  the parade. Since Memorial Day is a solemn holiday, participants are asked to refrain from  displaying or carrying advertising materials and political banners. 

The staging of parade entries begins at 8:30 a.m. at North Third and Locust Street. The parade  steps off at 9 a.m. heading west on Locust Street, which was dedicated as DeKalb’s Honorary  Veterans Way in 2020. The parade then goes north on Linden Place. 

The procession is followed by a program on the Ellwood House lawn and then free first-floor tours  of the Ellwood Mansion. 

Groups interested in joining the parade can fill out the online form found at tinyurl.com/4dk8vtss and on the homepage of the City’s website. There is no participation fee. It is asked that forms be  submitted by Friday, May 12. 

The Memorial Day events are a collaboration of the City of DeKalb, DeKalb Park District and  Ellwood House Museum. 

Questions may be directed to Scott Zak at scott.zak@cityofdekalb.com or 815-748-2396.