The City of Gaithersburg and the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Fire Department will celebrate the unofficial end of summer with the 88th Annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 7, at 10am.
This year’s parade will feature 83 participating units, including high school marching bands, dance groups, costumed characters, antique cars, fire engines and community organizations. John Sanchez will serve as grand marshal.
Participating groups include the Gaithersburg, Seneca Valley and Watkins Mill high school marching bands; Gaithersburg High School NJROTC; Gaithersburg Police Department Honor Guard; Gaithersburg Chorus; National Pan-Hellenic Council of Montgomery County; Germantown Ducks Youth Football and Cheer; Ballet Folklórico Aquí Esta Mi Perú; Chinese Culture and Community Service Center; and several local dance companies, businesses, civic organizations and elected officials.
The parade will follow a new route this year. Participants will begin on Russell Ave, continue along East Diamond Ave and finish on Melvin St in Olde Towne. According to the city, the new route is intended to improve flow, visibility and convenience for participants.
Shuttle service will be limited to parade participants, with no shuttle service or designated parking areas available for attendees. Limited free parking will be available at the Olde Towne Parking Garage at Olde Towne and South Summit aves.
Accessible parking for vehicles with disability placards or plates will be available behind the Victor Litz store on the north side of Diamond Ave and behind the Shell station on South Summit Ave. Attendees seeking a shaded viewing area along Russell Ave can walk from the transit station by way of Odendhal Ave.
Food vendors will be located at Olde Towne Plaza and include DM Sliders, Sara Michael Catering, Sides BBQ, Judy Makes Juices, Stony Man Coffee & Donuts and Clayboy’s.
