More than 2,000 participants are expected to march through Folsom on Wednesday, Nov. 11, for the 26th annual Wayne Spence Veterans Day Parade, the Folsom Times reported.

The parade steps off at 9 a.m. on East Bidwell Street near Montrose Drive. Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Susan DeMasters, selected by the City of Folsom as this year's grand marshal, will lead the procession.

Floats, classic cars, horseback riders, color guards, veterans organizations and community groups will fill the route. Admission is free. The parade runs rain or shine.

The route

Participants will stage in the Target and HomeGoods shopping center parking lot on East Bidwell Street before the 9 a.m. start. The procession heads westbound on East Bidwell, turns north onto Coloma Street and continues to Natoma Street toward City Lions Park.

A closing ceremony will follow at the Veterans Memorial in City Lions Park, near the Folsom Public Library. The city's special events page lists the route ending at the Folsom Community Center at 52 Natoma St., which is in the same area.

The parade is expected to wrap up around 11 a.m., though timing may vary.

Road closures

The Folsom Police Department will close all lanes of East Bidwell Street along the parade corridor from approximately 8 to 11 a.m., according to the Folsom Times. Natoma Street between Coloma Street and Wales Drive will close from approximately 9:15 to 11:15 a.m.

Detours will be marked. Drivers should use Riley Street and School Street as alternate routes and expect heavier pedestrian traffic and parking demand near the route and City Lions Park.

Grand marshal

DeMasters joined the California Army National Guard while still in high school in Madera and entered active duty in 1984, the Folsom Times reported in a Nov. 4 profile. She served across the United States, Germany and South Korea, advancing through the Army's noncommissioned officer ranks.

After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, she helped coordinate the mobilization of more than 22,000 soldiers. She retired from active duty on Aug. 31, 2006, after more than 26 years of military service, then continued federal work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs until 2018.

She remains active in the Folsom veterans community through Wreaths Across America, Team Red, White and Blue, the American Legion and other organizations.

How it started

Wayne Spence marched alone through Folsom in 2000, carrying an American flag to honor veterans. His solo tribute grew as neighbors joined in. The Folsom Athletic Association and the City of Folsom eventually helped organize the event into the large annual parade it is now.

Gold-star street signs bearing the words "Fallen Veteran" mark roads named for military personnel who died in service. Spence worked with the city to establish those memorials.

Last year's 25th anniversary parade drew 2,360 participants and 160 floats and entries, according to the Folsom Times.

What to know

  • When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 9 a.m.
  • Where: Starts at East Bidwell Street near Montrose Drive; ends at City Lions Park
  • Cost: Free
  • Contact: Folsom Parks and Recreation, 916-461-6615