Part of the festival includes a parade through Lake Boren Park opening the event on Saturday, Sept. 12.

This year’s festival coincides with the National Day of Service and Remembrance, so the organizing committee is inviting veterans to participate in the second annual Newcastle Days Parade.

The parade serves as the official kickoff to the Sept. 12 event featuring music, activities, food and more. The exact time of the parade is yet to be determined, though it will likely begin at either 10 or 10:30 a.m., depending on the number of participants.

Local high-school bands, drill teams and dance teams also participate in the parade.

Veterans interested in joining the parade should contact Community Activities Commissioner Linda Newing at LindaN@ci.newcastle.wa.us or city community activities liaison Wendy Kirchner at WendyK@ci.newcastle.wa.us or call Kirchner at 649-4444, ext. 142.