LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Officials in Michigan's capital city say they're cancelling an annual downtown Memorial Day parade because of declining interest.

Instead of the parade Lansing will expand an annual ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery to include a formal procession.

Alfreda Schmidt, who co-chairs the city's Memorial Day Parade Committee, says it "saddened us to have to make that decision." Schmidt says six groups, including two military organizations, committed to participating in a parade this year -- down from 17 last year.

The city remains a sponsor of Memorial Day activities. Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero says holding the procession at Evergreen Cemetery "will provide for a more enthusiastic acknowledgment of our fallen heroes while maintaining a solemn reflection."

The ceremony and procession are scheduled for May 24.