To honor those most responsible for America’s semiquincentennial, this year’s Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade, August 17, will celebrate America 250-IA by honoring the veteran-patriots of every U.S. conflict.
Presented by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and the Iowa National Guard, we are calling on all Iowa veterans, military organizations, and community supporters to join us on the Grand Concourse. Whether you are marching to represent a specific era of service, organization, playing in a band, or showing your community’s support, we want you in the lineup or along the route as we celebrate 250 years of American resilience.
Want to Participate in the Parade?
Option 1 – March with The American Legion Family of Iowa – Walk for Veterans
The American Legion Walk for Veterans will be during the Veterans Parade at the Iowa State Fair on Monday, August 17, 2026. The parade begins at 11:00 am and participants are asked to be in the staging area between 7:00 am and 10:30 am.
Participants must register (free registration) with The American Legion of Iowa before July 31, 2026. The cost of a Walk for Veterans shirt is $20.00. All walk participants must wear The American Legion Walk for Veterans shirt and must pre-register. All parade participants will receive free entry into the Iowa State Fair after the parade. Parking is not included. Information, instructions, and forms are available on our website.
Option 2 – Register Your Own Unit with the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
Interested participants can download the entry form directly at the event page on the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs website.