San Bernardino, California, is preparing for a major community celebration on Saturday, November 7, combining its annual Veterans Day parade with a special event marking Route 66’s 100th anniversary.
The city announced that the celebration will bring together veterans, residents, families, classic car enthusiasts, and visitors for a full day of activities. The program includes a parade, a veterans’ recognition ceremony, live entertainment, food vendors, and a free community block party.
The event is particularly significant because San Bernardino has a longstanding connection to Route 66, one of America’s best-known historic highways. Rather than organizing separate celebrations, the city is combining the anniversary festivities with Veterans Day recognition.
A Parade to Honor Local Veterans
The day’s activities will begin at 9 a.m. with the Veterans Day Parade along Mount Vernon Avenue. The procession will travel south from 16th Street towards La Plaza Park.
Three individuals have been selected as grand marshals in recognition of their military service and community contributions.
They include Gene Arnold, a 97-year-old World War II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps; Efren E. Herrera, a World War II veteran and San Bernardino native; and Ching Lee Trenchard, a U.S. Navy veteran who also spent years working as a substitute teacher in the San Bernardino Unified School District.
Following the parade, a Veterans Salute Program will take place at La Plaza Park from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The program will recognize local veterans, honor the grand marshals, and include patriotic presentations and remarks.
For residents, the ceremony provides an opportunity to recognize people from their own community rather than treating Veterans Day as only a national observance.
Route 66 Centennial Celebration Includes Music and Family Activities
The celebration will continue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a Route 66 Centennial Finale Block Party along Mount Vernon Avenue, between 8th Street and Spruce Street, including the La Plaza Park area.
According to the city’s announcement, all block party activities will be free.
Visitors can expect a classic car display, live music, cultural performances, food and merchandise vendors, community information booths, and activities for children.
The entertainment program will feature the Indian Springs Band, Ballet Folklórico, Arroyo High School, and the New Joy Band. The city’s Parks Department will also host craft activities, while the San Bernardino Arts Association will provide an additional crafts table.
Families attending with children will have access to a free Kids Zone featuring a rock-climbing wall, a bounce-house obstacle course, face painting, a balloon artist, and hands-on crafts.
The classic car display is another important part of the celebration because Route 66 is closely associated with American road travel and the communities that developed along the highway.
The anniversary allows San Bernardino to celebrate that connection while bringing different generations together through music, vehicles, food, and local activities.
Event Time, Location and Road Closures
The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, in San Bernardino, California.
The main program is as follows:
- 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m.: Veterans Day Parade along Mount Vernon Avenue.
- 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.: Veterans Salute Program at La Plaza Park.
- 11 a.m.–4 p.m.: Route 66 Centennial Finale Block Party along Mount Vernon Avenue.
The city has also announced road closures between approximately 4:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Mount Vernon Avenue, between 5th Street and 19th Street, as well as some neighboring streets.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, allow extra time to walk to the event, and follow posted parking restrictions. Parking will be available on surrounding neighborhood streets.
Final Thought
San Bernardino’s November 7 celebration brings together two important parts of the city’s identity: its connection to Route 66 and its recognition of military veterans.
With a parade, cultural performances, classic cars, food vendors, and free family activities, the event offers residents and visitors a chance to join a community celebration while marking a major milestone in American highway history.
