There is one AFD event that everyone goes to every year—where high school alumni gather, families set up their chairs along main street, and kids jet out to grab unclaimed candy and toys. Businesses close briefly yet food vendors are still out serving up Papachangos and funnel cakes.
The AFD parade is arguably the most anticipated event of the year (and maybe the El Capitan fireworks come in for a close second). At this weekend’s 73rd Annual Armed Forces Day, held in Hawthorne (aka “America’s Patriotic Home”), the parade will kick off on Saturday, May 18th at noon following the Naval Air Station Flyover.
The Flyover will feature three F-18 jets flown by TOPGUN pilots Lt. James “Pablo Sweatscobar” Botzer, Lt. Joseph “Fisheye” Gardetto, and Lt. Michael “Mickey” Estes. An AFD spokesperson said that the pilots will fly up the parade path, turn around, and fly back down the parade path as they head home. Be sure to look at the sky before noon to not miss this unique double flyover with three jets.
As for the parade itself, there are approximately 50 entries this year. The beloved Cecil the Sea Serpent mascot will be back (be sure to show your support for Cecil by visiting the rock painting table set up on main street at 2 p.m.) and the parade itself will be following military protocol in the lineup.
“That means a change from all of the First Responder vehicles leading the parade to an MCSO (Mineral County Sheriff’s Office) car a block ahead,” says an AFD committee member. The designated Color Guard will be leading the parade with the Grand Marshal following them, then the First Responders.
“We also lined up the different entries from Cadets, National Guard and VFW organizations according to military etiquette,” the spokesperson added.
As for the other AFD events, there are 49 vendors who’ll be selling food, drinks, artisan crafts, and more, and all youth events will be moved downtown at 5th and D Street instead of on the high school football field.
