Nampa will celebrate Armed Forces Day with its 59th annual Parade America on Saturday, May 16, beginning at 11 a.m. near the intersection of 12th Avenue Road and Lake Lowell Avenue. The long-running patriotic event honors military service members from all six branches of the armed forces.
This year’s parade carries the theme “Small Town America” and will feature floats, marching bands, horses, antique cars, and other displays celebrating the nation’s military heritage. A T-6 aircraft from the Warhawk Air Museum will conduct a flyover to signal the official start of the procession.
Parade Route and Schedule
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. near Dutch Bros. Coffee at 624 12th Avenue Road, followed by the flyover and parade kickoff at 11 a.m. The route travels from Lake Lowell Avenue and 12th Avenue Road, continuing south on 12th Avenue Road to 7th Street South, then to 16th Avenue South, concluding near Northwest Nazarene University at Holly Street and East Colorado Avenue.
U.S. Army veteran Tom Hogaboam, who served with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War, will serve as grand marshal. Hogaboam is the father of the late Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam. His daughter-in-law Mimi Hogaboam and her five children will also participate in the parade.
New Afternoon Event at Lakeview Park
Following the parade, a new “America in the Park” celebration will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lakeview Park. The free event will include food trucks, vendor booths, games, and entertainment featuring the Canyon County Children’s Chorus, Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth’s “Revolutionary Spuds” historical mascots marking America’s 250th anniversary, and Empty Hand Combat demonstrations. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Background on the Tradition
The parade began in 1967 after actor Chuck Connors sent letters to American cities encouraging them to establish patriotic parades supporting the military during the Vietnam War. Nampa Mayor Ernie Starr, who led the city from 1961 to 1981, approached the Nampa Exchange Club to organize the community event. Originally held in June before the God and Country Festival, the parade later moved to the third Saturday in May to allow school bands to participate and align with Armed Forces Day observances. The event has been held annually except for 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation.
How to Participate
The Nampa Parade Committee is accepting parade entries through midnight on May 8 at nampaparadeamerica.com. All participants must arrive at the staging area with their floats no later than 10:30 a.m. on parade day. Entries competing for judging must be in place by 9:30 a.m. with all participants present.
Volunteers and those with questions about the event can contact the Nampa Parade America Committee at nampaparadeamerica@gmail.com. The committee’s stated mission is to celebrate American service members and foster community appreciation for the freedoms protected by the armed forces.
What Canyon County Residents Should Know
Nampa residents should expect temporary road closures along the parade route Saturday morning. Spectators planning to attend are advised to arrive early to secure viewing spots along 12th Avenue Road and bring lawn chairs for comfort. Free parking is available near Nampa High School and along side streets adjacent to the route. The afternoon park event offers families an extended opportunity to participate in patriotic festivities without needing to stand along the parade route.