Skagit County Veterans Day Parade turns 30 in Burlington, adds a fun run

The Nov. 7 celebration on Fairhaven Avenue includes a flyover, free meals for veterans and the first Skagit Veterans Fun Run.

BURLINGTON — Skagit County’s Veterans Day Parade hits a milestone this year. The 30th annual Skagit County Veterans Day Parade & Tribute takes over downtown Burlington on Saturday, Nov. 7, and organizers are adding something new to the morning: a fun run that raises money for the local American Legion post.

Schedule at a glance

• 8–10 a.m.: Pancake breakfast, American Legion Post 91, 721 E. Fairhaven Ave.
• 9 a.m.: Skagit Veterans Fun Run (2 miles or 5K) starts at the Burlington Visitor Center, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave.
• 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Free coffee and a military display at the Burlington Visitor Center, hosted with Post 91
• 11 a.m.: Parade, flyover and tribute along Fairhaven Avenue
• Noon–2 p.m.: Soup-and-sandwich lunch, American Legion Post 91

The parade

The parade opens at 11 a.m. with the national anthem and a flyover. Marchers line up at Walnut Street, travel along Fairhaven Avenue and finish at Skagit Street. Expect veterans groups, floats and plenty of red, white and blue.

Skagit Ground Search and Rescue volunteers will pass out more than 1,000 mini American flags to spectators along the route, so find a spot on the curb and get ready to wave.

Free meals for veterans

American Legion Post 91 is cooking all day. Veterans eat free at both the pancake breakfast and the soup-and-sandwich lunch. Everyone else is welcome to join in for a donation.

Between meals, stop by the Burlington Visitor Center, which also houses the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, for free coffee and a look at the military display put together by Post 91.

New this year: Skagit Veterans Fun Run

For the first time, the day starts with a run. Post 91 is hosting the Skagit Veterans Fun Run with help from Skagit Runners. Choose a 2-mile route or a 5K, and run or walk. Both start at 9 a.m. at the Burlington Visitor Center.

• Cost: $30 for adults and $10 for ages 18 and under, plus online processing fees. A race T-shirt is an optional $20.
• Sign up: Register for the Skagit Veterans Fun Run here. Registration closes at noon Friday, Nov. 6.
• Packet pickup: 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Post 91, or 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. race morning at the visitor center.
• Good to know: The run isn’t timed, but there will be a clock at the start and finish. Routes use open roads, so follow volunteers’ directions.

All of the race registration money goes to American Legion Memorial Post 91, according to Burlington Parks & Recreation. It will help pay for heating and cooling repairs and other upgrades at the post, which serves veterans and their families across Skagit County, including those with low incomes or disabilities. For sponsorships or questions, email Ken Kissinger at burlingtonlegion91@gmail.com.

Want to march?

Businesses, community groups and veterans organizations can still sign up to be in the parade through Burlington Parks & Recreation. Entry applications are due Wednesday, Nov. 4. Call 360-755-9649 or email recreation@burlingtonwa.gov.

Thank you, sponsors

Burlington Parks & Recreation thanks this year’s parade sponsors: KAPS Country Radio, KBRC 102.9 FM/1430 AM Classic Rock Radio, Skagit Valley Eagles #3242 and Stowes Shoes and Clothing.

Sources: Burlington Parks & Recreation, Skagit County Veterans Day Parade 2026 announcement (Facebook, Oct. 1, 2026); Burlington Chamber of Commerce event listings: 30th Annual Skagit County Veterans Day Parade & Tribute and 1st Annual Skagit Veterans Fun Run.