One of nation’s oldest Memorial parades falls to virus

East End Improvement Association, sponsor of the Alton Memorial Day Parade, said this year’s parade is being cancelled due to COVID-19.  The parade would have been held on Monday, May 25.

East End spokesman Steve Schwartz said, “East End has delayed this decision until now with the hopes that the parade would take place with the thought that it would be good for the community. Our first priority has always been the health and safety of our many participants and thousands of spectators who attend his event. Given Gov. Pritzker’s recent announcement extending Illinois stay at home order through May 31, we needed to make this announcement as soon as possible.”

Alton’s Memorial Day Parade is one of the longest consecutive Memorial Day parades in the Nation dating back to 1868.  This year’s parade would have been the 153rd consecutive Alton Memorial Day Parade.  East End Improvement Association has sponsored this parade for the past 10 years.