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Sussex County’s Salute to Veterans takes place on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta (Frankford Township). The county’s Salute to Military Veterans honors local veterans with a parade and celebration, and the fairgrounds’ official calendar lists the 1 to 3 p.m. time. No admission price is posted.
It is organized by the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners, the county Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Senior Services and the Sussex County Veterans Committee, according to the county’s September 2026 announcement. Below, our team lays out what happens, who is involved and the other veterans events the county has officially posted this fall.
Salute to Veterans 2026: the details
- What: Sussex County’s Salute to Military Veterans, a parade and celebration honoring the county’s veterans
- When: Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (per the fairgrounds calendar)
- Where: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
- Cost: No admission price posted by the county or the fairgrounds
- Questions: Sussex County Division of Senior Services, 973-579-0555 ext. 1382, seniorservices@sussex.nj.us
Who organizes the Salute to Veterans?
This is a county event. The Board of County Commissioners, the Division of Senior Services (part of the Department of Health and Human Services) and the Sussex County Veterans Committee run it together. In its 2026 announcement, the county describes the Salute to Military Veterans parade as a way to honor the sacrifices and contributions of our military veterans.
The Division of Senior Services is based at the county Administrative Center, One Spring Street, Newton, and is the office handling the student contests tied to the event.
What happens at the Salute to Veterans
The county describes the day as a parade and celebration recognizing veterans’ sacrifices and contributions. Two student programs feed into it, and both are a good window into what you will see.
A pin for every veteran
This spring the county ran a pin design contest for Sussex County students in grades 6, 7 and 8. The 2026 design had to be hand drawn and include the words “Sussex County” and the year 2026, and entries were judged by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. According to the county’s May 2026 release, every veteran at the event receives a pin made from the winning design, and the student winner receives $200.
Student essays read at the ceremony
The county also ran a 2026 essay contest for grades 6 through 8 on the question “Why Are We Saluting Sussex County Military Veterans?” Essays were capped at 200 words, and home-schooled students could also enter. Two winners each receive $200 and are asked to read their essays at the November 1 event. Entries were due October 1, 2026, so the contest is closed.
Veterans services
At the 2025 salute, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs listed a Veterans Service Officer on site. The state had not posted a 2026 listing when we checked, so if you hope to ask about benefits, call Senior Services ahead of time to see whether a service officer will attend this year.
Know before you go
- Arrive early: The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. The county has not posted a separate parade step-off time, so plan to be there at 1 p.m.
- Getting there: The fairgrounds are at 37 Plains Road in Augusta, the home of the New Jersey State Fair. The fairgrounds office can be reached at 973-948-5500.
- Dress for the weather: Early November afternoons in Sussex County can be cold and windy. Bring layers, and a blanket or chair if you plan to watch outdoors.
- Bring the veteran in your life: Every veteran in attendance receives the 2026 commemorative pin, per the county.
- Specific questions: Accessibility, seating and parade participation questions go to the Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1382 or seniorservices@sussex.nj.us.
Planning a full weekend? Our things to do this weekend page is updated with what is happening around the county, and our October things to do guide covers the days leading up to the salute.
Other veterans events in Sussex County this fall
We only list events posted on an official county or organizer calendar. As of mid October 2026, this is what the county has posted:
- Veterans’ Social Club: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Night, Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m., Newton Firehouse #1, 22 Mill Street, Newton. Listed on the Sussex County calendar. If you are heading into Newton, our where to eat in Newton NJ guide is handy for dinner.
- Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026: Sussex County administrative offices are closed for the holiday, per the county calendar.
Individual towns, schools and veterans posts often hold their own Veterans Day ceremonies on or around November 11. None had posted 2026 details on an official page when we checked, so check your municipality’s website, and we will add verified observances as they are announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Salute to Veterans in Sussex County?
Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta.
Is the Salute to Veterans free?
Neither the county nor the fairgrounds has posted an admission price. For confirmation, call the Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1382.
Who runs the Sussex County Salute to Military Veterans?
The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners, the Division of Senior Services and the Sussex County Veterans Committee.
Do veterans get anything at the event?
Yes. Per the county, every veteran at the event receives a pin made from the winning student design.
Where is the Sussex County Fairgrounds?
37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822, in Frankford Township.
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Primary sources for this guide: Sussex County Fairgrounds calendar, Sussex County essay contest announcement (September 2026), Sussex County pin design contest announcement (May 2026), the Sussex County events calendar and NJ DMAVA events listing (2025).
Featured photo: stock image of a veterans parade, for illustration only. Photo by Chris F via Pexels.
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