You’ve probably seen the flyers. Or maybe you just heard the distant thump of a drum corps echoing down Sherman Way while you were trying to sleep in. Honestly, it’s easy to write off a local parade as just another excuse for traffic jams and overpriced lemonade. But the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade isn't just a local block party with a few flags thrown in for good measure. It’s actually one of the largest and most persistent tributes to veterans in the entire San Fernando Valley.
It’s personal here.
While big cities have their massive, televised spectacles, Canoga Park keeps things remarkably grounded. The 2026 event marks the 34th year this community has gathered to "Salute the Price of Freedom." It’s a tradition that refuses to die, surviving economic dips and even a global pandemic.
What Actually Happens at the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade?
Most people think you just show up, watch a few cars go by, and leave. Not quite. The day officially kicks off on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Everything starts with the opening ceremony at 10:00 AM. This happens at the intersection of Sherman Way and Owensmouth Avenue. You’ll see the dignitaries, the local politicians, and usually a high-ranking military official—past Grand Marshals have included folks like Major General Peter Gravett and Rear Admiral Mike Shatynski. These aren't just "ceremonial" guests; they are usually people with deep ties to the California National Guard or the LAPD.
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The Route and Timing
The parade itself "steps off" at 11:00 AM.
It’s a straight shot. The procession moves west along Sherman Way, starting at Owensmouth Avenue and ending at Cozycroft Street. If you’re planning to park, good luck. Seriously. People start claiming spots with folding chairs as early as 7:00 AM.
The crowd usually swells to between 30,000 and 50,000 people. That’s a lot of bodies for a neighborhood parade.
The Memorial Wall: The Heart of the Event
If you miss the Memorial Wall, you’ve missed the whole point of why Canoga Park does this.
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Since about 2015, the parade organizers have featured a portable version of the memorial wall found at Canoga Park High School. It’s a sobering list. It contains the names of over 44 alumni who died in service, ranging from the battlefields of World War II to the streets of Iraq and Afghanistan.
- World War II: Names of young men who left the Valley and never came back.
- Vietnam: A significant portion of the names on the wall.
- Modern Conflicts: Recent additions that remind everyone this isn't just "ancient history."
There is a push lately to expand this list. Retired Navy Captain Bill Ratner, who chairs the parade committee, has mentioned that they are researching students who joined the military before graduating. If that research pans out, we might see another 15 to 20 names added to that wall. It makes the event feel heavy, but in a way that actually honors the "Memorial" part of the holiday.
Why This Specific Parade Is Different
Look, every town has a parade. But Canoga Park’s version has a weirdly specific "hometown" energy.
You’ll see the Los Angeles Rams mascot, Rampage, high-fiving kids, followed immediately by a somber unit of Sea Cadets. There are lowriders—lots of them—shining in the sun, representing the deep car culture of the Valley. Then come the equestrian teams. It’s a chaotic, beautiful mix of everything that makes this part of LA what it is.
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The music is strictly patriotic. The rules for entries are actually pretty tight; if you’re a band or a choral group, you have to stick to the theme. No Top 40 hits here. It’s all about the marches and the anthems.
Key Players and Support
The Canoga Park Community Center Foundation is the engine behind this. They don't have a massive corporate budget, so they rely on things like the Lamppost Banner Program. You’ve probably seen those blue and white banners hanging from the poles. Local families and small businesses pay about $300 to $500 to put a name on those. It’s how they keep the lights on and the permits paid.
Tips for Surviving the Heat and the Crowds
If you’re heading down this year, don't be a rookie. The Valley in late May is basically a pre-oven.
- Hydrate early. Don't wait until you're standing on the asphalt.
- North side of the street. The sun hits the south side of Sherman Way hardest. If you want any hope of shade from the buildings, aim for the north side.
- The High School Connection. If you have a connection to Canoga Park High, head toward the start of the route. That’s where the school’s band and cheer squads usually gather, and the energy there is the highest.
- Stay for the party. After the last float passes Cozycroft, the local shops and restaurants along Sherman Way usually stay packed. It’s the one day a year the "Main Street" of Canoga Park feels like a real, bustling downtown.
Why We Still Do This
In a world where everything is digital and everyone is siloed, the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade is a rare moment of actual physical community. It’s a "teachable moment," as Bill Ratner often says. It’s where a kid can see a veteran with a chest full of medals and understand, even just a little bit, that freedom isn't just a word on a bumper sticker.
It’s about the Gold Star families. Families like the Berwagers and the Bedals, who are often given front-row seats. When the parade pauses for a wreath-laying ceremony, the silence is real.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Check the official site: Visit canogaparkmemorialdayparade.com a week before to confirm the Grand Marshal and any last-minute route changes.
- Arrival Time: Get there by 9:15 AM if you want to see the opening ceremonies without standing ten rows back.
- Support Local: Skip the fast food and hit one of the small bakeries or cafes on Sherman Way after the parade; these businesses are often the ones sponsoring the banners.
This isn't just about the spectacle. It’s about making sure that the names on that wall don't just become faded ink on a laminated board. Whether you’re there for the classic cars or the somber remembrance, the parade remains the heartbeat of Canoga Park every May.