ORWELL — Memorial Day parades in Addison County get started a day early, as usual, when the annual parade steps off in Orwell 1:30 p.m. this Sunday, May 28.

Many floats will be designed to reflect some of the many traditional Vermont activities and industries, and there will be plenty of just-fun floats and attractions.

American Legion Post 49 from Fair Haven will lead the parade and will honor our veterans with a 21-gun salute.

Organizers were hoping to feature the Catamount Pipe Band, the Fair Haven Union High School band and various local youth clubs  including Orwell Free Library Teen Advisory Group better known as T.A.G. The American Legions from various area towns have been invited to participate.

Welcome to all vintage cars, trucks and tractors to the 48th Annual Orwell Memorial Day Parade. Join in for this free event and parade through the village of Orwell to show the freedoms we enjoy and honor the veterans who fought for them.

Carla Ochs, who has lived in Orwell for so many years and provided many services to the community, will be the 2023 parade Grand Marshal.

The parade will have a section for children riding bikes this year. Children must have a parent walking with them through the parade route. Organizers are happy to have the Vermont Field Music Fife and Drum Corp returning this year. And Kylie Chittenden and the Mt. Independence 4-H club will be marching with a couple of calves.

Always a favorite, the Cairo Shriner Northeast Clowns are returning for 2023. 

Let’s not forget those awesome tractors that come out every year — Steve Bruyneel said he will bring three!

Bob Pirie will once again bring out his 1979 Corvette to the parade. In the spirit of fun for the entire family, 802 Ghostbusters are expected to return to the parade this year. Also returning is the 1st Vermont Calvary on horses!

The parade will take the same route as in years past: beginning on North Orwell Road and running east to Main Street, before heading onto Church Street, circling Roberts Avenue, and then bending back to march west on Main Street. The parade will conclude on the town green, where many of the bands will perform for the crowd.

Lineup begins at 12 noon on North Orwell Road just north of the village green. All vehicles must obey posted traffic rules, no burnouts are allowed.