60th Annual Hazel Dell Parade of Bands returns this May

The parade is set for Saturday, May 16, and is expected to feature 120 entries, 25 of which include marching bands, along with community groups, and local organizations for one of Southwest Washington’s longest-running traditions

VANCOUVER — The Hazel Dell Salmon Creek Business Association has announced the 60th year of the annual Hazel Dell Parade of Bands, “Honoring Our Nation, Celebrating Our Neighbors.” The parade is set for Saturday, May 16, and is expected to feature 120 entries, 25 of which include marching bands, along with community groups, and local organizations for one of Southwest Washington’s longest-running traditions.  

“Reaching 60 years is a huge milestone for this parade and the Hazel Dell community,” said Brad Lothspeich, one of the parade’s organizers. “In honor of this celebration, we are featuring 12 of our Grand Marshals who are retired band directors from our community. The parade was originally founded to give local school bands more opportunities to perform, and remains one of the only events in the region where more than half of area bands can march.” 

The parade will begin at Clark County Fire District 6, heading south along Hazel Dell Avenue before turning onto 63rd Street and continuing north along Northeast Highway 99, concluding at NE 78th Street. Road closures begin at 9:30 a.m. The Columbia River and Skyview High School bands will perform the national anthem at 10:25 a.m. in front of the fire station, immediately preceding the parade start at 10:30 a.m. Normal traffic is expected to resume at 1 p.m. 

“We always encourage community members to arrive early to secure a viewing spot along the parade route,” Lothspeich added. “This free, family-friendly event draws as many as 20,000 spectators each year, weather permitting.” 

Lothspeich also noted that parade registration is open to community participants. Registrants may include bands, businesses, community groups, youth organizations, Little League and lacrosse teams, cheerleading squads, Special Olympics participants and local elected officials. Entry information and registration details can be found at hdscba.org/parade-of-bands. 

The Hazel Dell Parade of Bands is one of the longest-running community parades in Clark County, celebrating music, community involvement, and local traditions. Organized by the Hazel Dell Salmon Creek Business Association, the parade has brought residents and visitors together each spring since 1966.