Celebrate Our Veterans and Join the Celebration of Freedom Parade

El Dorado’s 29th Annual Celebration of Freedom will bring our community together on November 11 and November 13–15, 2026, to honor those who have served our country. From a special veterans program and downtown parade to family activities and musical performances, there are plenty of opportunities to participate and show your appreciation.

Wednesday, November 11: Salute to Veterans

The celebration begins at First Christian Church, 300 W. Central Ave., with a performance by the church’s Praise Band at 10:15 a.m. The Salute to Veterans program begins at 11 a.m., featuring U.S. Air Force veteran Phil Wickwire and the presentation of Veteran of the Year.

Lunch will follow at the church, with veterans eating free. The program is sponsored by American Legion Post 81, and lunch is sponsored by First Christian Church.

Friday, November 13: Spotlight on Youth

Join us at the Elks Lodge, 121 E. Pine St., at 7 p.m. for the Spotlight on Youth Elks Essay Contest & Ice Cream Social. Celebrate local youth and enjoy an ice cream social sponsored by INTRUST Bank.

Saturday, November 14: Parade and Community Activities

Start your morning with a Biscuit and Gravy Breakfast at VFW Post 1174, 211 N. Main St., from 8 to 10 a.m. Full orders are $7, half orders are $4, and veterans eat free. The breakfast is sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary Fred Priestly Post 1174.

The Veterans Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., led by Grand Marshal William “Bill” Douglass. Raised in El Dorado, Bill served in the U.S. Army, including combat service in Vietnam, and received three Purple Hearts.

The parade route begins at Gordy Park, travels to Central, west to Taylor, north to First, east to Main and south back to Gordy Park. A People’s Choice Contest will take place at the park.

Keep the celebration going at Gordy Park, 300 S. Gordy St., with free hot dogs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by Butler Electric Cooperative. Family activities run from noon to 1 p.m. and include rock painting, coloring pages, letter writing and band performances. These activities are funded by El Dorado Charities Auxiliary.

From 1 to 4 p.m., visit the Kansas Oil Museum, 383 E. Central Ave., for a WWII Reenactment & Weapons Demonstration.

Sunday, November 15: Dinner and a Musical Salute

Enjoy the Elks Chicken and Noodle Dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 121 E. Pine St. Dinner is $10, and veterans eat free. The meal is sponsored by Elks Lodge 1407.

The celebration concludes with the Butler Bands Musical Salute to Veterans at 7 p.m. at the Butler Welcome Center, 901 S. Haverhill Rd. This performance is sponsored by Ted and Barbara Dankert.



Help us fill downtown El Dorado with community spirit as we honor our veterans! Local businesses, organizations and community groups are invited to participate in the Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 14.

Use the parade entry form included below to sign up and join this special Celebration of Freedom tradition.

We look forward to gathering with our community to recognize and thank the men and women who have served.