The 41st Aquidneck Island National Police Parade is set to step off Sunday, with participants marching two miles from Middletown into Newport in honor of law enforcement.
The parade begins at 11:50 a.m. in front of the Hampton Inn and Suites at 317 West Main Road in Middletown. Marchers will head south on West Main Road into Newport, continue down Broadway from One Mile Corner and end after passing the reviewing stand in Washington Square.
The annual event honors fallen officers and recognizes law enforcement past, present and future. An opening ceremony will precede the procession, and participating police departments will be judged in categories including best cruiser, best uniform and best honor guards.
Past participants have included the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, New Mexico State Police, Illinois State Police and many local departments from across New England. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, the Rhode Island Shriners, the Thompson Middle School Band and the Rogers High School Band have also taken part in past years.
Spectators are welcome, and motorists should expect detours in the area. No parking will be allowed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Broadway, Washington Square, Duke Street and Charles Street. Broadway will be closed to vehicular traffic through Washington Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has also announced detours for Routes 60, 63 and 67 in Newport from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate the parade.
More information is available on the parade’s Facebook page.
