This year’s Veterans Day Parade in Columbus, hosted by the Patriots Salute to Veterans Association, Inc., will begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 11. The parade route starts from the far west entrance of the Food Lion plaza entrance, heads down NC 108 into downtown Columbus, turns right on to South Peak St., then right onto Ward St., and passes by the Veterans Park to Christopher St., and ends back where it started.

Courthouse, Gibson, Ward, and Owens Streets will be shut down starting at 8 a.m. and will reopen soon after the conclusion of the ceremony in Veterans Park, which will begin at 11 a.m. following the parade. NC Hwy. 108, running from the east entrance to the Food Lion Plaza (nearest McDonalds) to South Peak St., Christopher St., and Walker St. (from the Columbus Town Hall to Hwy. 108) will be closed from 9:45 a.m. until the end of the parade.

Handicap parking for those who have valid placards and/or license plates will be on Courthouse Street and entrance into this parking area will be from Ward Street only starting at 8 a.m. This parking area will be monitored for those vehicle types only. Gibson St. will be closed to all vehicle traffic only and will be used for veterans support groups to set up and be available to assist anyone wanting information/assistance regarding veterans benefits and services.

Organizations such as the American Legion Post 250, VFW Posts 9116 and 10349, and their respected auxiliaries, Polk County Veterans Affairs, Hands Feet Farm, McFarland Funeral Chapel, Polk County Housing, Employment and Training, and others will be present.

– Submitted by Bevin Corbin