Nampa Parade America Returns May 16 with ‘Small Town America’ Theme for 59th Annual Event
NAMPA, Idaho — The 59th annual Nampa Parade America is set to bring floats, marching bands, antique cars, and a military flyover to the streets of Nampa on Saturday, May 16, honoring the men and women who serve in the United States armed forces. The event, one of Canyon County’s longest-running patriotic traditions, begins at 11 a.m. and carries the theme “Small Town America.”
A Canyon County Tradition Rooted in Military Honor
The parade traces its origins to 1967, when a letter from actor Chuck Connors urged American cities to hold annual patriotic parades in support of the military during the Vietnam War era. Then-Nampa Mayor Ernie Starr took up the call and enlisted the Nampa Exchange Club to organize the community event. The only year the parade did not take place was 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation.
May 16 also falls on Armed Forces Day, a nationally recognized occasion to honor the dedication and sacrifice of servicemembers across all six branches of the military. The alignment is intentional — Nampa Parade America was moved to the third Saturday in May in part to coincide with the observance and to allow school bands to participate before the academic year ends.
Event Details: Route, Flyover, and Grand Marshal
Activities kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. near Dutch Bros. Coffee at 624 12th Ave. Road. A T-6 aircraft, provided by the Warhawk Air Museum, will fly over the starting point at 11 a.m. to officially launch the parade.
The parade route begins at the intersection of 12th Avenue Road and Lake Lowell Avenue, close to Nampa High School. Participants will travel along 12th Avenue Road, turn onto 7th Street South, continue to 16th Avenue South, and conclude near Northwest Nazarene University at Holly Street and East Colorado Avenue.
This year’s grand marshal is Tom Hogaboam, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran who served with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. Hogaboam is the father of the late Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam. He will be joined in the parade by Mimi Hogaboam and their five children.
The procession will feature floats, equestrian entries, marching bands, and antique vehicles — a lineup that reflects the small-town character at the heart of this year’s theme. Residents near Canyon County who celebrated Cinco de Mayo last weekend will find another opportunity to gather with neighbors and mark community pride along the parade route.
New Addition: America in the Park at Lakeview Park
This year’s event introduces a new afternoon program called “America in the Park,” running from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lakeview Park. Attendees can expect food trucks, vendor booths, games, and live entertainment. Performers and participants include the Canyon County Children’s Chorus and Empty Hand Combat. Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth’s “Revolutionary Spuds” — historical potato mascots connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary — will also appear at the park event. Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs for the afternoon festivities.
With Lake Lowell having opened for boating this spring, the timing positions the parade and park celebration as the beginning of a busy outdoor season for Canyon County families.
How to Get Involved
The Nampa Parade America Committee is accepting parade entries through midnight on May 8 at nampaparadeamerica.com. All float participants must be staged no later than 10:30 a.m. on parade day. Entries being judged for awards must be in the staging area by 9:30 a.m.
Community members interested in volunteering or with questions about the event can reach the committee by email at nampaparadeamerica@gmail.com.
The Nampa Parade America Committee’s mission centers on recognizing the selfless service of American military men and women. “Join us in celebrating our nation as a community, through appreciation for the freedoms granted to American citizens and gratitude to the men and women who serve and have served in the armed forces,” the committee’s mission statement reads.
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