Lake Havasu City is preparing for the 55th anniversary of the London Bridge Days Parade, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026. The annual event, hosted by Go Lake Havasu and DSM Events, will commence at 10:00 a.m. and will feature a revised route this year, designed with the explicit goal of enhancing safety for all involved, including participants, spectators, motorists, and event personnel.
The upcoming parade will continue its tradition of traveling along McCulloch Boulevard, but with a specific new segment from Birch Square to Capri Boulevard. Parade participants are set to stage at designated areas including Van Vliet Lane and Birch Square, utilizing both sides of McCulloch Boulevard. Additional staging will be available in a section of the Mesquite Avenue parking lot, specifically near the splash pad, as well as the upper parking lot adjacent to the jewelry store. Entries will then proceed to Birch Square, where they will formally join the main parade route on McCulloch Boulevard.
The implementation of this revised route is the result of collaborative efforts by the City’s special event team. This team comprises representatives from all City departments and the parade organizers themselves. Their comprehensive review encompassed multiple critical aspects of event management, including participant staging logistics, effective traffic control measures, ensuring emergency access, prioritizing pedestrian safety, managing parking availability, and facilitating the safe movement of all parade entries throughout the event duration.
This newly established parade path is not unprecedented in Lake Havasu City. It follows the identical route successfully utilized for the Veterans Day Parade, which has previously demonstrated its effectiveness in safely accommodating both participants and spectators. The proven success of this route played a role in its adoption for the London Bridge Days Parade.
To facilitate the safe execution of the parade, a temporary road closure will be in effect on McCulloch Boulevard. The closure will span from Acoma Boulevard to Capri Boulevard and will be active on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. until approximately 1:30 p.m. Motorists planning to travel in the area during these hours are strongly advised to seek and use alternate routes.
Furthermore, drivers are urged to exercise additional caution when navigating the vicinity of the parade. It is imperative for all motorists to pay close attention to any posted signage, barricades, directions from volunteers, and instructions from law enforcement personnel present on site to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and public safety.
Looking ahead, the City anticipates that this revised route will serve as the standard for future parades held in Lake Havasu City. However, each special event undergoes an individual review process. This allows for potential adjustments to be made as needed, taking into consideration factors such as the specific size and scope of an event, current construction or roadway conditions, and any evolving public safety considerations that may arise.
The City of Lake Havasu City extends its appreciation for the community’s patience and understanding during this temporary road closure. This measure is essential as the city safely celebrates the 55th anniversary of London Bridge Days, thereby continuing one of Lake Havasu City’s most longstanding traditions.
