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Evening parade lights up Lake Chelan’s downtown
Kick off summer at Lake Chelan with a Memorial Day evening parade downtown—then linger for lake views, ice cream strolls, and waterfront sunsets.
Event details
The Chelan Memorial Day Parade marks the unofficial start of summer in North Central Washington, bringing a warm, small-town celebration to downtown Chelan at the southeast tip of 50-mile Lake Chelan. Held on Memorial Day evening, the parade steps off at 7:00 PM and runs along Woodin Avenue, with local fire trucks, veteran organizations, marching bands, and regional floats moving through town as the sun drops behind the surrounding hills.
You will find a relaxed, family-oriented crowd, with residents and visitors setting up folding chairs well before start time. Sightlines are strong along the entire route, and the area near the historic bridge makes a standout finale, especially when the last light catches the lake.
Plan to arrive by 6:00 PM for curbside seating, then park in public lots a few blocks off Woodin Avenue. Bring a light jacket or sweater, temperatures can fall quickly after sunset. We also recommend picking up ice cream or coffee from a downtown shop to enjoy during the procession, and if the core feels busy, you can watch from the grassy stretches of Don Morse Memorial Park.
Good to know, the parade is free and open to all ages. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash, but be mindful of sirens and band volume. In light rain, the event usually continues, pausing only for severe lightning or high winds. If you are staying for the long weekend, consider a rental on the South Shore or near Manson for easy access to wineries and public beaches, and book dinner reservations early if you want a table downtown after the parade.
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