Thousands of spectators will crowd the Southeast area of Newport News on Saturday for the 33rd Annual Southeast Community Day Parade and Festival.
The popular parade — which includes more than 150 entries of school bands, local businesses and nonprofits and elected officials — spans roughly 2 miles. The lineup begins at 9 a.m. at Booker T. Washington Middle School (3700 Chestnut Ave.) and the parade will kick off at 10 a.m. Participants will march to the church grounds of Zion Baptist Church at 2016 Jefferson Ave.
The festival and Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration will be held at the Zion Baptist Church grounds at noon — immediately after the parade. The festival will feature a concert with singer and producer Luther Barnes and local performers, food vendors, and stands from local businesses and community service organizations.
Parade founder Andrew Shannon said the Southeast Community is often called under-resourced or marginalized. Still, the parade proves it is a community filled with opportunity and he said the event “provides hope, pride and inspiration.”
This year’s grand marshal is Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Newport News, and co-grand marshal is Newport News City Council member Marcellus Harris III. Shannon said both men have been involved in positive community service initiatives and parade leadership chooses people who “roll up their sleeves and help to serve.”
Shannon first organized the event in 1991 as part of an effort to spread positivity at a time when the news cycle was dominated by reports of middle and high school girls being sexually assaulted. In the ensuing decades, the event has become a day of cultural celebration.
“People often read or hear about some of the negative things that may be going on, but we provide a ray of light, a ray of hope and a ray of sunshine for the community,” Shannon said.
Shannon estimates that the event drew 3,000 participants and 15,000 spectators last year.
Street closures for the event are expected to begin at 9 a.m. and last no longer than 2 p.m., a city spokesperson said. Roads serving as the parade route will open as the parade progresses The following roads will have closures Saturday:
- Chestnut Avenue: 37th Street to 24th Street (Depending on number of parade units – closures could extend to 39th Street)
- 25th Street: Chestnut Avenue to Jefferson Avenue
- Jefferson Avenue: 26th Street to 18th Street
- 19th Street: Jefferson Avenue to Madison Avenue
- Ivy Avenue: 18th Street to 20th Street
- 20th Street: Jefferson Avenue to Madison Avenue
Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
