City Offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11 in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday.
On Saturday, Nov. 9 the City of San Marcos will host the 2019 Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m. The theme of the parade is Honoring All Who Served.
A free biscuit and gravy breakfast sponsored by Café on the Square will be served on the County Courthouse lawn beginning at 8:30 a.m. A Capella Unlimited will provide entertainment leading up to the parade starting at 9 a.m. Veteran groups, military organizations, civic clubs, bands, drill teams, public officials, equestrians, youth teams, classic vehicles and others will participate in the Veterans Day Parade.
Parade Marshals
U.S. Navy Veteran Richard Zeni has been appointed as this year’s Grand Marshal of the Veterans Day Parade, which will take place on Nov. 9 in downtown San Marcos.
Zeni served from March 1943 to July 1984, including tours in World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. During his service, he was awarded the Aircrew Insignia, American Theater Medal and the Victory Medal.
After his time on active duty, he transitioned into the Navy-Reserve Unit where he served for 28 years as an Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician Chief.
Zeni continued to dedicate his time to public service in retirement, working as a substitute teacher, a member of the bus committee, and a member of the “original seven” of Butler Manufacturing.
Parade Route
The parade will begin on Hopkins Street at the intersection of CM Allen and will travel toward the Courthouse. After passing the Courthouse, the parade will turn left onto Guadalupe Street, then turn left onto San Antonio Street, travel down San Antonio Street and turn left onto CM Allen Parkway. The parade will then turn right onto Hopkins Street where they will return to the line-up area for disbanding.
Shuttle
This year the City of San Marcos will be offering a parade shuttle to downtown for veterans, those with disabilities, and their families. The shuttle will depart from the VFW Hall, 1701 Hunter Road, and run to Guadalupe Street across from the Old Hays County Courthouse beginning at 8:15am until 9:45am and again from the end of the parade through 1pm.
Bike Brigade
Children are invited to join the Kiwanis Club Kids Bicycle Brigade by decorating and riding in their own parade from 9-10 a.m. preceding the main Veterans Day parade. Children ages 5 and older with bicycles, training wheels, and scooters are welcome to bring their bikes and helmets to the Courthouse lawn and decorate then with free flags, streamers, and sign materials.
Veterans Pantry Food Drive
The San Marcos Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee and the Hays County Veterans Resource Office will be holding a food drive. Citizens are asked to bring non-perishable food items to the Courthouse Lawn. Veteran Resource Officers will be collecting the donations at their booth. Suggested items include: granola bars, juice boxes, tuna, canned meat products, peanut butter, crackers, fruit cups, and nuts.
For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 512.393.8400 or email jmach@sanmarcostx.gov.
About The City of San Marcos’ Parks and Recreation Dept.: The Parks and Recreation Department works to provide the citizens and visitors of San Marcos the highest level of programs, parks, facilities, and services that will positively enhance our vision of the community. The Parks and Recreation Department has a history of providing not only diverse and continuous programs for citizens and visitors alike, but also excels in providing maintained parks such as Rio Vista park and many more activities and resources for everyone in San Marcos.