There’s no better way to celebrate Memorial Day in Chester County than with one of Kennett Square’s most beloved traditions.The Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, bringing the community together for a morning of hometown pride, remembrance, and celebration.

Thanks to the support of Kennett 250 Supporters and a grant from the Chester County Community Foundation, Kennett Collaborative has transformed downtown into a picture-perfect slice of small-town Americana, complete with American flags lining the streets and patriotic bunting overhead as part of the America250 celebrations happening throughout the season. To help continue enhancing community programming and events in Kennett Square, we invite you to support Kennett Collaborative’s 250 efforts by donating $25 or $250 here. 

Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, the Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade is one of those traditions that still feels genuinely heartfelt and deeply rooted in community spirit. Bring your chairs, wear your red, white, and blue, and settle in for one of Chester County’s favorite Memorial Day celebrations before heading off to afternoon cookouts and holiday gatherings.

As the largest Memorial Day parade in Chester County, this year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet, with record-breaking participation and a packed lineup of performers, veterans groups, local organizations, marching bands, and community favorites.

Weather

The Kennett Memorial Day Parade is moving forward as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the weather carefully. We will not cancel for rain, but we will be watching for signs of severe weather that could pose a safety risk. Any changes or cancellations will be sent to participants by email, posted at kennettmemorialdayparade.com, and announced on Kennett Collaborative’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Overall Schedule 

8:30 am Participant Lineup, Kennett High School

8:30 am Tribute Ceremony, VFW Post 5467, 704 W Baltimore Pike

9:15 am Tribute Ceremony, Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, WWI Monument

10:00 am Parade Starts at South Street and Union Street

11:00 am Veterans and their families Complimentary Lunch, American Legion, 208 E State Street

11:30 am Parade Concludes at Union Hill Cemetery, 424 N Union St

at parade conclusion Memorial Ceremony, Union Hill Cemetery, 424 N Union St

1:00 pm Veterans and their families Complimentary Lunch, VFW Post 5467, 704 W Baltimore Pike

What to Expect

The parade begins at Kennett High School and is expected to run approximately an hour and a half through downtown Kennett Square. Expect a lively, family-friendly atmosphere filled with music, patriotic displays, and plenty of hometown pride.

One of the morning’s most special moments will take place at the intersection of State and Union Streets, where the parade will pause for a performance of the National Anthem by the talented students of Pollock Music.

Parade highlights include:

  • Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps
  • Dixie Demons alumni band
  • Lenape Brass Ensemble
  • Uncle Sam on stilts
  • Historical car clubs and vintage vehicles
  • Living history and reenactment groups
  • Local nonprofits, schools, businesses, and civic organizations

Insider Tips for the Best Parade Experience

Arrive Earlier Than You Think!

Street closures begin at 9:00 a.m., but experienced parade-goers know the best viewing spots fill up well before then. Plan to arrive between 8:15–8:45 a.m. for the easiest parking and best curb space.

A smart strategy:

  • Park in the Linden Street garage
  • Drop off your chairs or blankets at your preferred viewing spot
  • Then stroll downtown for breakfast or coffee before the parade begins

Pre-parade breakfast and coffee stops include:

Best Viewing Areas

For energy and atmosphere:

E. State Street (100 block)
This is where the live English commentary takes place, making it one of the best spots to hear details about the performers and community groups as they pass. The Spanish announcer will be located on S. Union Street in front of the carwash.

For a quieter, family-friendly setup:

Union Street tends to offer a little more space and easier movement for families with younger children. Portable restrooms will also be available near the corner of Union and South Streets.

Come prepared:

We recommend bringing:

  • Red, white, and blue attire
  • Rain jackets
  • Folding chairs or picnic blankets

Parking Strategy:

Free parking is available at the Linden Street Parking Garage. It’s the easiest option for parade access, but it fills quickly, so arriving early is key. If possible, carpool with your group.

Pro tip:

Park once, claim your viewing spot, and spend the rest of the morning walking downtown for coffee, breakfast, shopping, and the parade festivities.

Lunch & Post-Parade Stops

Victory Brewing Company will open early at 11:00 a.m. on Memorial Day and remain open until 9:00 p.m., making it a great post-parade lunch destination. While you’re there, try the limited-edition “Philly First” anniversary pale ale created in partnership with Visit Philadelphia to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

State Street restaurants are all great options after the parade, but we recommend making a reservation ahead of time to secure a table. Roads and traffic will still be impacted after the parade ends, but if you’re feeling up to a short walk, head over to Birch Street to visit Braeloch Brewing or The Creamery.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Union Hill Cemetery

Following the parade, the community is invited to gather at Union Hill Cemetery for a special Memorial Day ceremony honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The ceremony will include:

  • Invocation
  • Roll call of local veterans
  • Guest speaker Cindy Abbadini
  • Wreath laying by the Grand Marshals
  • Bagpipe performance by Pipe Major Andrew McIntyre
  • The National Anthem performed by the Kennett and Unionville High School Bands
  • A special performance of God Bless America by Leon Spencer

The community is encouraged to stay and participate in this meaningful tradition of remembrance and reflection.

Final Insider Advice

  • Cell service can become spotty downtown once crowds build, so plan meeting spots ahead of time.
  • Restaurants fill quickly after the parade ends. If you’re planning brunch or lunch afterward, consider making reservations in advance.
  • Downtown Kennett Square is extremely walkable, making it easy to turn Memorial Day morning into a relaxed day of shopping, dining, and community celebrations.

From patriotic traditions to small-town charm, the Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade remains one of the community’s most cherished events — and one of the best ways to celebrate Memorial Day in Chester County.

This year’s Grand Marshals are Michael O’Neal, William Corkadel, and Robert Eastwood.

Michael (Mike) P. O’Neal of Kennett Square, PA, served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist Five during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to B Company, 159th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) at Camp Eagle in 1968–1969, where he served as a flight mechanic on medium-lift cargo helicopters. His awards include the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals. He also completed advanced training as a CH-47 Chinook repairman and later served at the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and School at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Mike is an active member of both the VFW and American Legion.

William (Bill) Corkadel served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1965, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. He served aboard the USS Tidewater (AD-31), USS Parle (DE-708), and USS Hissem (DER-400), including active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962. His awards include the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. A longtime member of American Legion Post 491, Bill has served in both Honor Guard and Color Guard roles and has been active in veterans’ organizations for decades.

Robert (Bob) Eastwood began his military career in the U.S. Air Force in 1959, serving as an electronics specialist at Shaw Air Force Base until his honorable discharge in 1963. He later joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1980, serving in the Transportation Corps as a watercraft operator and officer. Rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3, he retired in 2001 after more than two decades of reserve service. His awards include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Clusters), and multiple service and reserve commendations. Bob is a longtime member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus.

Thank you to the Memorial Day parade sponsors: