Memorial Day Parade: What You Need to Know

Memorial Day in Fairfield isn’t just a day off—it’s a time-honored tradition that brings the whole town together. It’s one of those events where you bump into neighbors, run into old friends, and feel the pride of being part of this awesome community. If you’ve never been to the Fairfield Memorial Day Parade, make this year your first – you may even get to experience a military fly-over!

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the day like a local.

Pro Tip: Claim Your Spot Early

One of the coolest things about the parade? You can totally stake out your viewing spot ahead of time. People start laying out chairs and blankets on Sunday—yes, the day before! Just pick your favorite stretch along Post Road and set up camp (don’t worry, everyone does it).

Some folks even make a morning out of it—grabbing coffee, setting up chairs, and strolling the town while they still have it mostly to themselves.

Parking

This is the part that can get tricky if you’re not prepared. There’s no parking allowed directly on the parade route, so you’ll want to plan ahead. Here are some of the best places to leave your car:

• Fairfield Train Station – Plenty of space and just a short walk away
• Sherman School Lot – Close to the starting line
• Downtown Fairfield lots – If you get there early enough, you’ll score a spot

The earlier you arrive, the less you’ll have to walk—and the more relaxed you’ll be.

What You’ll See

This isn’t just any small-town parade. It’s packed with energy and pride. Expect:

• Marching bands from local schools
• Veterans proudly walking or riding floats
• Shriners in the cutest little cars you’ve ever seen
• Fire trucks, antique cars, community groups—maybe even a scout troop or two (dozen)
• Tons of flags, cheers, and red-white-and-blue everything
• Usually a military plane fly-over

If you’ve got kids, they’ll be wide-eyed the whole time (and if you’re just a big kid at heart, same).

A Few Things to Bring

Want to be the most prepared person on the block (or at least on the sidewalk)? Pack these:

• Foldable chairs or a blanket
• Sunscreen and hats (it can get bright)
• Water bottles or a little cooler
• Snacks (or grab something from a local spot after the parade!)

Trust us—being comfy makes the whole day better.

Whether you’ve lived in Fairfield for years or you’re just getting to know the town, the Memorial Day Parade is a can’t-miss event. It’s fun, it’s heartfelt, and it’s one of those special traditions that make Fairfield feel like home.

See you out there—bright and early with your lawn chair, of course.