As the threat of the fire season winds down and the community begins the long journey of recovery and rebuilding, all Macleay Valley residents, friends and family are invited to come and thank the amazing teams and organisations that stood at the front line. Then take an evening to celebrate our community, as a community.

The parade, organised by Kempsey Shire Council, will start at 11.30am at the Visitor Information Centre at South Kempsey, travel across Kempsey Bridge then continue along Belgrave Street to Tozer Street West Kempsey. The participants and their vehicles will then make their way to Verge Street Oval for a special fund-raising concert.

Admission to the concert - organised by a local committee chaired by resident Kate Mainey and featuring live music from a host of acts long into the night - is by donation with all proceeds going to the local Macleay region RFS.

More than 25 emergency vehicles carrying volunteers and staff who assisted during the devastating fire season will participate in the parade, to be led by the Kempsey District Silver Band.

Kempsey Shire Mayor Liz Campbell believes the parade will be an important acknowledgement of the tireless efforts of those who worked so hard to protect people, properties and animals during the devastating bushfires late last year.

"We know many of the RFS staff and volunteers who turned up day after day to help across the valley, did so knowing their own properties and those of family and friends were also at risk. Their selfless dedication deserves our gratitude," Cr Campbell said.

"We are all so proud of the efforts of the RFS and our community. Our community is strong and resilient and on March 28 we have the chance to offer our thanks to the men and women who gave so much during a very difficult time. While we still have a long way to go to rebuild and recover, we are ready to move forward."

Residents, community organisations and visitors are invited to bring along a homemade 'Thank You' poster or banner to wave during the parade. Local businesses along the parade route are being invited to decorate their shopfront windows and local schools and preschools are asked to make a canvas banner to hang on one of the RFS vehicles (interested schools should email communications@kempsey.nsw.gov.au) participating in the parade.

"I hope to see every resident from Kempsey and the Macleay region and surrounding areas along the parade route cheering on these local heroes and celebrating their contribution at the concert," Cr Campbell said.

With many expected to travel some distance to watch the parade, the best places to view the parade will be on Kempsey Bridge, at Kempsey Central, along Belgrave St and at the concert site.

Everyone is invited to follow the parade to its destination at Verge Street Oval, for the fundraising concert where the trucks will be parked up for inspection and amazing live music will flow all afternoon.

"Live music is a great healer and Kate Mainey and her committee of event organisers are putting together a great event for people of all ages," Cr Campbell said.

For more event information and the best vantage points for the parade go to the Kempsey Shire Council website. The event will proceed rain, hail or shine.

On the day:

Rolling road closures will be in place for the duration of the parade, with police managing traffic flow with the assistance of a traffic management company Men at Work who are assisting with the parade.

Pedestrians are not to access the roadway during the parade and are instructed to stay on footpaths, the bridge and along the grassed open spaces along the parade route.

The Live Music Concert at the Verge St Oval will start at 12pm and conclude at 8pm.

Seating will be available in the grandstand and on the field. Please bring a picnic rug or chair. No alcohol or glassware.

A bar will be provided and food will be available for purchase.

The concert will also feature amusement rides, face painting and a line-up of great performers. A sausage sizzle will be provided by Kempsey West Public School and Rotary volunteers will collect all donations to go to the RFS.

If you are interested in volunteering to assist with the concert, please complete the volunteer register on council's website.