Loyalty Days honors servicewomen in Long Beach Sunday
Published 8:01 am Thursday, May 1, 2025
Retired U.S. Air Force service member Terry Bryan of Ocean Park is pictured, front, in a float representing the American Legion Dan R. Grable Post 48 of Ilwaco which was honored at a prior Long Beach parade. The theme of this year’s entire Loyalty Days celebration is “honoring service women.” Patrick Webb
Rita Smith, director, actor and singer with Ilwaco-based Peninsula Players, was among those enjoying a past parade in a sailor costume from the troupe’s production of the Gilbert and Sullivan musical “H.M.S. Pinafore.” Patrick Webb
Members of the Afifi Shriners’ clown unit seem to defy gravity when they perform stunts on their bikes and novelty vehicles. Last year they won the top award for parade entries. Patrick Webb
Ilwaco artist Don Nisbett created this artwork for the 2025 event featuring Lt. Jessica Shafer, who commanded the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, and Connie Reandeau, who served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Art by Don Nisbett
The Peninsula Saddle Club has been well represented in past Loyalty Days parades. Patrick Webb
The Spudder Band from Ridgefield High School in Southwest Washington added musicianship with a more informal dress code in this parade. Patrick Webb
LONG BEACH — The Loyalty Days parade will wend its way through downtown Long Beach, starting at 1 p.m. May 4.
The theme is “honoring servicewomen.” designed to include those who have served in the military, as well as those who are or have been first responders.
Organizers hope those participating will pin service portraits of family members on banners, floats and windshields.
Many spectators bring folding chairs and set up early for a front-row experience. “The event will take place rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the weather—be it sunscreen or rain gear,” said Andi Day, one of the leaders making it all happen.
The 75th annual parade is organized by the Long Beach Foundation with the help of many volunteers and business sponsors.
“With participation levels on par with last year, parade-goers can expect more than an hour of lively entertainment,” Day added.
Artist Don Nisbett of Ilwaco has created commemorative art featuring two military women with strong Peninsula connections, U.S. Army Reserves Clinical Specialist Connie Reandeau, who served from 1974 to 1981, and U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Jessica Shafer, who was commander of Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco from 2019 to 2021 before being assigned to the White House.
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Terry Bryan of Ocean Park who served 29 years in the U.S. Air Force, will be grand marshal. Her sisters, another Air Force veteran Nora (Peters) Monroe, and Rebecca (Peters) Hinckley, who served in the U.S. Army, have also been highlighted ahed of the event.
All three graduated from Ilwaco High School. Bryan has been active in the American Legion since her retirement and has served as post commander for the Don R. Grable Post 48 in Ilwaco.
The event was started in 1950 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and organizers note it is one of the longest consecutive running “loyalty” commemorations in the nation.
The route is from Tenth Street North to Sid Snyder Drive; the main highway and many side streets will be blocked before, during and after the parade. The day will kick off at 12:30 p.m. with an appearance on the route by the Tenino Motorcycle Drill Team. The U.S. Coast Guard plans a flyover at 1 p.m. to mark the start.
The parade will move south through the downtown, passing the viewing stand just south of Castaway’s Restaurant at 207 Pacific Ave. on the right-hand side of the street.
It will include more than middle and high school bands from across Washington and northwest Oregon, including the hometown Ilwaco High School and Hilltop Middle School groups. “Bands are coming from as far as Bellingham, Tenino and Woodland, making this a must-see event for music lovers, “ said Day, noting that it is one of the first parades of the season, taking place before school is out for the summer.
Volunteer organizer Carol Randeau, a small business owner and former parade participant herself, is excited. “We know what a fun and unique experience this is for these young and talented musicians,” Randeau said. “That’s why we don’t limit the number of school band entries. For many, it’s their first visit to the area — and it’s one they’ll never forget.”
In addition to bands, the parade will feature a colorful mix of entries including equestrian groups, color guards, drill teams, flag teams, clowns, royalty courts, military and veterans’ groups, floats, antique vehicles, emergency responders, elected officials and community organizations.
Members of the Afifi Shriners’ clown unit seem to defy gravity when they perform stunts on their bikes and novelty vehicles. Last year they won the top award for parade entries.
In anticipation of plans to re-establish the Loyalty Days pageant in 2026, past pageant winners will join the Loyalty Days float.
Trophies in categories for bands, flag and dance teams, drill teams, equestrian units, and floats representing organizations and businesses will be presented at Veterans Field at 111 Third St. S.E. in downtown Long Beach at 3:30 p.m., after the parade concludes and any remaining poop has been scooped. Even the best pooper-scooper team is eligible for an award, in addition to any awards for the horse unit.
