THE THEME “FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN” SETS TONE FOR 62ND ANNUAL LOYALTY DAY FESTIVITIES
U.S. Coast Guard Fly Over kicks off Sunday’s Grand Parade
WHAT: Festivities to commemorate the observance of Loyalty Day, an opportunity endorsed by Woodrow Wilson for foreign-born citizens to show their loyalty to this country. Event highlights include the following: Grand parade, Coast Guard display, Kid’s parade, and Blessing of the Fleet.
WHEN: Grand Parade forms at noon and begins a 1PM, Sunday, May 6; Kid’s Parade forms at 11:30AM on Saturday, May 5 and begins at noon; Boats leave docks for Blessing of the Fleet at 1PM, May 5; Coast Guard Display – 10AM-3PM, May 5
WHERE: Grand Parade lines up at North 7th Street and proceeds through downtown Long Beach from North 10th Street to South 10th Street, along Pacific Avenue (Hwy. 103)
Kid’s Parade – downtown Ilwaco
Blessing of the Fleet – Port of Ilwaco/Ilwaco Marina
Coast Guard Display – Ilwaco Boat Basin
WHO: The Loyalty Days Foundation
WHY: An annual event to honor those who have demonstrated loyalty by serving this country.
LOYALTY DAYS WEEKEND COMMEMORATES THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED THE COUNTRY, MAY 5 AND 6, ON WASHINGTON’S LONG BEACH PENINSULA
Coast Guard Fly Over Will Commence Sunday’s Grand Parade
LONG BEACH PENINSULA, Wash. – May 2, 2012 – A full weekend of star-spangled festivities is planned for the Long Beach Peninsula on May 5 and 6. Honoring the “Fallen but not Forgotten,” the 62nd annual Loyalty Days is highlighted by a Grand Parade, the Blessing of the Fleet, a Kid’s Parade, and Coast Guard Display.
On Saturday, May 5, the annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place at the Ilwaco Boat Basin. Free, scenic boat rides depart from the dock at 1PM for the on-the-water memorial service. Also at the Boat Basin, the U.S. Coast Guard will display a 52-foot lifeboat from 10AM to 3PM, and the Ilwaco Saturday Market will kick off its summer season at the marina. A lively Kid’s Parade will get into formation at 11:30AM and begin at noon in Ilwaco; same-day entry sign up is available and encouraged. On the same day, the Long Beach Elks Club will host an Oyster Feed from noon to 5PM.
Launched with a Coast Guard fly over, the finale of the weekend will be Sunday’s Loyalty Day Parade. Boasting over one hundred units including marching bands from all over the Northwest, drill teams, classic cars, clowns, horseback-riding clubs, the Shriners, and VFW posts. Sam Goodyear, portraying President John Adams, will be the guest speaker; Jim Sayce, the emcee; and Cryslin Butters will perform the “Star Spangled Banner.” Reviewing stand activities start at noon in downtown Long Beach. The parade begins at North 10th Street at 1PM and proceeds through downtown Long Beach, along Pacific Ave. (Hwy. 103), to South 10th Street.
With its mix of sensational restaurants, ocean view lodging, unique museums and attractions, lighthouses, galleries, trails, birding spots, and, above all, its long, wide, windswept beach, the Long Beach Peninsula continues to be one of the Northwest’s most enjoyable and refreshing getaway destinations. For event and visitor information, please call the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau toll free at 1-800-451-2542 or access www.funbeach.com.
