5-22-2026 10:21pm

The City of Franklin To Host The Jim Mears Memorial Day Parade

Beth Callahan Editor

FRANKLIN, OH -- The City of Franklin will hold the Jim Mears Memorial Day Parade on Monday May 25 at 10 a.m. Mears, who had served on city council and as mayor for many years, was well known for organizing the city's Memorial Day parade for over 45 years. Following his passing in May 2023, the City of Franklin officially renamed the annual Memorial Day Parade to The Jim Mears Memorial Day Parade in his honor.

Mears was a proud Army veteran and was dedicated to honoring and serving his fellow veterans. "The City of Franklin is undoubtedly a better place because of Jim's passionate service to our community. For these reasons, from the years 2024 to 2034, the Memorial Day Parade shall be known as The Jim Mears Memorial Day Parade," reads the city's event webpage.

The theme for this year's parade is "250 Years of Defending Freedom," to go along with America's celebration of 250 Years as a county and to serve as a reminder the great sacrifices made by those who have served our nation.

The parade will start on Main Street at Franklin Yards, travel down Main to Third Street as it ends with a ceremony at the corner of Third & Main.

The city has requested ... As this is a memorial parade, we ask that no candy or information/flyers be handed out during the parade. American Flags are the only item to be distributed during the parade.