Hundreds of marchers are set to descend upon Lexington Park for Saturday’s Pride in the Park Parade. The second annual march is set for 10 a.m. and steps off from the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department.
This year’s event features 22 new groups, including the Spring Ridge Middle School Rhythm Club, Compass Systems, The Newtowne Players and more. The parade celebrates the 70th anniversary of the commissioning of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The NAS Pax River Color Guard, Navy youths holding a Happy Birthday banner, a Flight of Sailors, military working dogs, NAS police cruiser and fire truck are scheduled to participate.
Spectators are encouraged to line the parade route, which begins at South Shangri-La Drive (at the Bay District VFD), travelling west to Essex Drive. The parade will then turn north on Essex and head toward Great Mills Road. The parade will move east on Great Mills Road to Raley’s Home Furnishings where the parade will end.
Activities along Great Mills Road don’t end at the conclusion of the parade. A carnival will be open at St. Mary’s Square immediately after the conclusion of the parade, complete with rides for children.
Those driving into the area should be aware of several road closures beginning at 9:45 a.m. and continuing for the duration of the parade. South Shangri-La Drive, South Essex Drive and Great Mills Road, from South Essex Drive to Route 235, will be closed along with a number of side streets along the route. Detours will be established to guide drivers to alternate routes. Spectator parking will be available at the Millison Plaza and St. Mary’s Square shopping centers as well as John G. Lancaster Park.
The Pride in the Park Parade is sponsored by the Lexington Park Business and Community Association. For more information contact Robin Finnacom at 301-863-7700 or email robin.finnacom@stmarysmd.com.
