NORTH PROVIDENCE — Groups are still signing up to participate in the Memorial Day parade on Monday, according to the recreation director.

It starts at 1 p.m., rain or shine, from the parking lot of North Providence High School on Mineral Spring Avenue, and goes east to Douglas Avenue and north to Governor John Notte Park, where there will be a wreath-laying ceremony and food and family entertainment.

Mayor Charles Lombardi conceded yesterday that he described it as the town’s first Memorial Day parade, but has been told there was one in the early 1960s.

The town will provide free shuttles to and from the park until 6 p.m. to alleviate traffic congestion. Lois Barbieri, the recreation director, says it’s difficult to determine the number of participants in the parade “because the list gets longer every day,” but her latest count shows numerous marching units and at least 12 floats.

Groups planning to have floats include the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, the North Providence East Little League, North Providence Youth Soccer, Rhode Island Resource Recovery, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the Salvatore Mancini Resource & Activity Center, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the North Providence Barracudas swim team, Show-Pro Wrestling, Luke’s DJ, the Girl Scouts and singer and entertainer Marissa Beatini.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. John Ricotilli will be the grand marshal. Marching units include the high school’s cheerleaders and marching band. Amy Diaz of North Providence, who is Miss Rhode Island USA; Dawn Periquito, Mrs. North Providence; Mrs. New England and Miss Rhode Island Outstanding Teen will participate.

Other participants include the state and North Providence police; the Rhode Island National Guard; fire departments, including some with antique trucks; motorcycle clubs, Boy Scout troops, students from Ricci and Centredale middle schools and civic clubs.

A wreath will be laid at 2:15 p.m. in honor of those who died while serving the country. Entertainment at the park will be provided by the Night Life Orchestra including former Adjutant Gen. Reginald Centracchio of the Rhode Island National Guard, demonstrations by Showpro Wrestling and Mastery Martial Arts School, performances by Cheryl’s School of Dance and Luke’s DJ.

Shuttles will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. between the school’s parking lot and the Dillon Council Knights of Columbus Hall, adjacent to Notte Park with pickup points at Stephen Olney School, 1378 Douglas Ave.; Sal’s Furniture, 1251 Douglas Ave.; Whelan Elementary School, 1440 Mineral Spring Ave.; St Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Ave.; and Birchwood Middle School, 10 Birchwood Drive. Mineral Spring Avenue between the high school and Douglas Avenue will be closed for about 90 minutes at 12:45 p.m. and part of Douglas Avenue will be closed until the parade ends.

rdujardi@projo.com