POCATELLO — Plans are underway for the return of the Pocatello Veterans Day Parade and organizers are excited to announce several new developments including a revamped parade route.

In addition to a new parade route, the commission planning the Pocatello’s Veterans Day Parade have selected the winners of the student art contest, are working on plans for another art contest and have also secured two A-10 “Warthogs” to conduct a flyover during the event.

To allow additional viewership of the parade from Caldwell Park, the parade will now start at 11 a.m. on Nov. 4 on South First Avenue between East Halliday and East Center streets. From there, it will travel north on South First. At East Center Street it will take a right and continue east to South 10th Avenue where it will make another right and continue south to East Lewis Street. Once the parade hits East Lewis it will make another right and continue west until reaching South Seventh Avenue, where the parade will end.

“This change provides spectators with viewing areas from both the north and south sides of Caldwell Park, which is where the announcers’ booth, food vendors, Veteran Service Organization booths, musical performances, art contest entries and winners and restroom (will be located,” parade officials said in a recent news release.

Officials also announced the winners of a student art contest. Joy Hibbert, an eighth grade student at Franklin Middle School won the $300 first place prize; Jimmy Chen, a sixth grade student at Grace Lutheran School won the $200 second place prize; and Abigail Simmons, a seventh grad student at Heritage Baptist Academy won the $100 third place prize, said Hiedi Young, military and family readiness specialist with the Idaho National Guard and a member of the Pocatello Veterans Day Parade committee

“Congratulations,” Young said. “And we want to extend a huge thank you to all the talented artists who shared their heartwarming tributes honoring our heroes. Your art truly paints a picture of gratitude and respect for our veterans.”

Winners will receive their checks and certificates at Caldwell Park from the parade marshal at noon on Nov. 4.

Because there were so many entries in the student art contest, officials are creating a new “People’s Choice” category that will also take home a $100 prize.

“To cast your vote, visit the Farm Bureau booth at Caldwell Park on parade day, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon,” Young said. “All the patriotic entries will be on display for parade attendees to decide in person which one speaks the most to them. The ‘People’s Choice’ award, which is a $100 prize, will also be awarded at Caldwell Park by the parade marshal at noon.”

All of the art contest entries can also be seen on the parade’s Facebook page at facebook.com/pocatelloveteransdayparade.

Not just a parade featuring local veteran groups and service organizations, this year’s event will feature several new editions including food trucks, musical performance, static armored vehicle displays and even a military flyby.

Classical crossover artist Jennifer Lynn, in a collaborative effort with lyricist Tom Sutton, is releasing a new patriotic single, “I Love You America” on Nov. 3. The new song is coming off the back of Lynn’s debut single “You Are Not Alone” which garnered over 40,000 on YouTube when it was released, officials said.

Lynn and Sutton will perform “I Love You America” for its first live debut during the Pocatello Veterans Day Parade. Lynn will sing the song before and after the parade at the Caldwell Park pavilion and will also play the song from a float during the parade, according to parade officials.

Blackhawk BBQ, The Picnic Basket and Angel’s Tacos will be serving up delectable food options at Caldwell Park during the parade, alongside armored vehicles including a formidable cutting-edge Bradley Fighting Vehicle — courtesy of the Idaho Army National Guard.

Additionally, two A-10 “Warthogs” will conduct a flyover at 11 a.m. to kick off the parade and celebrations.

Nominations for parade marshal are still open. If you know someone deserving of this honor, please email vfwccpost735@gmail.com by the end of the day Friday. Please provide the nominee’s name, contact information and why you believe they would be an ideal parade marshal candidate.

Further, Saturday marks the final day that businesses, organizations and individuals can request to drive a float during the parade. There is no entry fee. Those interested can visit pocatelloveteransdayparade.com to complete an application.

Businesses and organizations that would like to help commemorate the service and sacrifice of local veterans can also set up a booth or tent in Caldwell Park. For reservations and additional details, please call 208-221-0077 or email vfwccpost735@gmail.com.

“Organizers are working hard to ensure that this year’s Pocatello Veterans Day Parade is a fitting tribute to the men and women who have served our country,” officials in a recent news release. “For more information, updates and to get involved, please visit pocatelloveteransdayparade.com.