Memorial Day Parade Canceled Due to Rain

Hillsborough Township canceled its Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 23, after rain disrupted plans for the annual community event. The parade had been scheduled to start at 10 a.m. as part of the township’s Memorial Day program, according to the municipal calendar and an April 29 township announcement. The Salute to Military Service Breakfast and the Garden of Honor ceremony remained on the day’s schedule, based on the township’s previously published plans. Weather listings for Hillsborough showed a 91% chance of rain for Saturday. ### Which part of Hillsborough’s Memorial Day program was called off? Hillsborough Township had listed the Memorial Day Parade for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, on its municipal events calendar. The parade was part of a larger Memorial Day commemoration that the township announced in April and had promoted as including veterans, community groups and local organizations. The April 29 township announcement said the breakfast would begin at 7:30 a.m. and the parade would follow at 10 a.m. The same notice said the Garden of Honor ceremony would take place immediately after the parade. ### What events were still expected to go forward? The township’s April 29 announcement described the Salute to Military Service Breakfast as a “rain or shine” event. That breakfast was set for 7:30 a.m. at the Peter J. Biondi Municipal Complex, according to the township and Patch’s earlier event coverage. Patch’s April 17 preview of the program said the event lineup for May 23 included the breakfast, the parade and the Garden of Honor Commemoration Program. The township announcement likewise said the Garden of Honor ceremony was part of the day’s Memorial Day observance. ### Who was supposed to lead the parade? Mayor Catherine Payne said at the April 28 Township Committee meeting that Hillsborough was inviting military personnel to take part in the breakfast, parade and Garden of Honor ceremony, according to the township’s April 29 announcement. The same announcement said Army veteran and Hillsborough Township Police Corporal Frank Polizzi would serve as grand marshal. Patch separately reported in April that Polizzi would lead Hillsborough’s 2026 Memorial Day commemoration. That earlier coverage said the May 23 program was to include a breakfast, parade and ceremony at the Garden of Honor. ### Why did rain matter to this event? Patch’s Hillsborough weather page showed a forecast for Saturday, May 23, calling for a high of 56 degrees and a 91% chance of rain. The forecast described the day as “cooler with occasional rain.” Hillsborough has altered its Memorial Day plans before because of wet weather. In 2021, Patch reported that rain postponed the township’s annual Memorial Day parade while the veterans breakfast and Garden of Honor ceremony were moved indoors. ### What had organizers planned before the cancellation? The township’s April 29 announcement said participating organizations were invited to join the parade with floats, historic dress or red, white and blue displays tied to America’s 250th anniversary. The township said Boy Scout Troop 1776 would march in Revolutionary War uniforms. Director of Parks and Recreation Griffin Dunne said in the township announcement that the breakfast, parade and Garden of Honor ceremony were intended to give residents a chance to remember military service members and express gratitude for their service. ### What comes next for residents? Saturday, May 23, remains the key date for Hillsborough’s Memorial Day observance. Residents looking for updates on the remaining breakfast and Garden of Honor program can check Hillsborough Township’s official news and calendar postings, which carried the original event schedule and participant details.