Downtown Iuka will spend this Saturday, Nov. 7, honoring veterans and kicking off the holiday shopping season. The Iuka Veterans Day parade steps off at 11 a.m. in the middle of the Jaybird Holiday Market, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jaybird Park in downtown Iuka.
Both events are presented by IDEA, the Iuka Development Economic Association. The group’s flyer promises craft and food vendors, food trucks, live music, the Veterans Day parade “and much more.”
Iuka Veterans Day Parade and Market Schedule
The day is laid out simply, according to the Explore Tishomingo County events calendar and IDEA’s flyer:
9 a.m.: The Jaybird Holiday Market opens at Jaybird Park in downtown Iuka.
11 a.m.: The Veterans Day parade begins.
2 p.m.: The market closes.
Shoppers can browse handmade goods and local crafts, grab a meal from the food trucks, and listen to live music. The market’s “shop local” theme is meant to keep holiday spending with Tishomingo County makers and small businesses.
Brothers to Lead the Parade
The Tishomingo County News reported in October that brothers Bobby and Harold Gist of Tishomingo County were named grand marshals of the 2026 Veterans Day Parade. According to the paper, Bobby Gist served in the Navy during the Korean War, and Harold Gist served in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Veterans Day itself falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Holding the parade the Saturday before gives working families, students, and out-of-town relatives a better chance to line the streets and thank local veterans.
A Busy Weekend Downtown
The Tishomingo County News also says Saturday will bring Christmas open houses at downtown Iuka businesses, so the parade, the market, and the open houses make for a full day of shopping and community events. With that much going on in a small downtown, visitors may want to allow extra time to find parking.
How to Take Part
Vendors: IDEA’s flyer lists idea38852@gmail.com, or Lori at 662-424-3172, for vendor information.
Parade entries: In past years, IDEA’s county-wide parade has welcomed floats, fire trucks, four-wheelers, golf carts, bicycles, wagons, and walkers. Groups hoping to enter should contact IDEA through the same email for this year’s guidelines.
Spectators: Plan to arrive before 11 a.m. to find a spot along the parade route, then stay for the market until 2 p.m.
Jon R Myers is the executive editor of Alcorn County News and the founder of the Mississippi News Group, which he started in 2013 to cover communities across North Mississippi. He also founded the Mississippi Sports Group in 2006, which grew from a single community publication into a statewide network covering high school and college athletics. He reports on local government, public safety, schools and community life in Corinth and Alcorn County, working from public meetings, agency records and interviews with the people involved. Contact him at editor@alcornnewsms.com with news tips or corrections. For a correction, include the article link and supporting source material.
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