Youth Day Celebration

Additional time info:

10:00 AM
Youth Day Parade in Historic Roswell

2026 Parade Route

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76^th Annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade
The Annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Celebration Parade begins at 10:00 AM sharp. This year's theme is "Tapestry of Generations." Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water, hat, sunscreen and bags for collecting candy.

Participant information for 2026

• Parade start and line-up area is at Roswell Area Park, off of Woodstock Road.
• Parking and drop-off will be available for parade participants only. There will not be a shuttle at the end of the parade.
• Roads will close no later than 9:45 AM. Roads will open as the parade completely clears a road.
• Roswell Area Park will be used for parade line-up before the start of the parade.

Event map and parking information available here!

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Youth Day Celebration at City Hall

Art Block, Fall Farmyard, & Truck Zone
After the Youth Day Parade, the celebration will continue on the campus of Roswell City Hall (38 Hill Street). Guests are invited to park at City Hall to enjoy the celebration from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Art Block
Art Block brings the arts to life with hands-on activities and fun performances. Kids can move through art stations to design, create, and imagine at booths provided by local businesses and organizations. Families can enjoy a variety of live entertainment on stage and around the Roswell Cultural Arts Center featuring Cirque performers!

Fall Farmyard
Fall Farmyard is back at Smith Plantation! Join us for fall activities, decorate a pumpkin (while supplies last), pet some farm animals and explore historic activities like candle dipping.

Truck Zone
Climb aboard, explore, and learn more about the people and equipment that keep our community moving. Visit Truck Zone for a hands-on experience with various City trucks and vehicles for all to explore.

Food Truck Alley
Hungry? Make sure you take a trip to Food Truck Alley and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

Who is Frances McGahee?

Mrs. Frances McGahee, whom the annual Youth Day parade is named after, was a Roswell resident for over 50 years. McGahee was a pillar in the Roswell community, serving on various boards and holding various positions.

She worked as a banker at Roswell Bank, served on the Roswell Recreation Commission and was a treasurer of the Roswell Bicentennial Committee. McGahee spent most of her life serving the community of Roswell.

In 2000, Frances was named Roswell's Volunteer of the Year and History Maker of the Year. In 2004, she was named one of the 15 Most Remarkable Citizens in Roswell.

Her contributions have been recognized by President Carter, President Ford, the National Federation of Businesswomen, the National Association of Banking Women, the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and WSB Radio.

In 2007, the Roswell Youth Day Parade was renamed the Frances McGahee Youth Day Celebration. Every year, we host the annual Youth Day Celebration to commemorate the youth of Roswell and to honor the legacy of Mrs. McGahee and her contributions to the community of Roswell.