Hello parade applicants, 

Thanks for your interest in the 2023 Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles! The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 11 AM. 

The Asheville Holiday Parade is a complex event with many moving parts, dozens of staff and volunteers, and more than 100 entries. It only runs smoothly if everyone follows the rules, implements our guidelines and follows direction from organizers. Please consider your neighbors and work toward the best interest of the overall event as you make plans and communicate with your group.

2023 Theme: Snow Globe

Grand Marshal announced soon.

START BY READING THE RULES AND INFO FOR PARTICIPANTS.

Our parade committee will evaluate parade applications based on creativity and effort, so please plan carefully before submitting this application. Not all entries will be accepted. Your submission will also help us with planning, so be as specific and accurate as possible. NOTIFICATION IS REQUIRED IF INFO CHANGES.

Deadline Monday, October 2nd at 5pm.

Applications will only be evaluated if payment is received. You will need to fill out the entire application to submit it (online only), and answers cannot be saved, so please gather your info prior. If your entry is not accepted, your payment will be returned.

 

Looking forward to another great parade!

Marci Ingram

Asheville Downtown Association

marci@ashevilledowntown.org // (828)-251-9973

Sponsors and Partners make the Parade possible. Thanks to Bojangles, Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, City of Asheville, Go Mini's Portable Storage, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum, Deerfield, A Look at Asheville, Sun Soo Martial Arts, WLOS, Star 104.3, 99.9 Kiss Country, Kudzu Brands, Kimpton Hotel Arras, Aloft Asheville Downtown, Asheville Color & Imaging.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, email info@ashevilledowntown.org for more details.

Please be creative and PLAN your entry carefully before applying. Parade entries must comply with all 2023 parade rules. Please read rules fully before proceeding. Applicants must agree to follow all rules and the direction of parade marshals and police.

READ THE RULES AND INFO FOR PARTICIPANTS.

Here are some highlights:

• All vehicles (except those pulling floats) must be DECORATED. We will not accept logo vehicles as entrants without full decoration. Use of the theme  heavily encouraged.
  
  
• Everyone walking in the parade must be dressed for a parade (coordinated outfits or in costumes). There is only one Santa, so no entrants may dress as Santa. Hats, elves and reindeer are okay. 
  
  
• NO CARDS OR HANDOUTS may be given out UNLESS attached to candy or other gift. NO THROWING ANYTHING. Items can only be handed to spectators who are interested. 
  
  
• Parade entrants agree to follow direction of parade marshals, parade staff, volunteers, police and other officials.
  
  
• The entry described on your application must be the same as what is presented at lineup.

• We cannot accept political or special interest-related entries. This includes entries for elected officials or those running for office. The parade is intended to be family friendly entertainment and is not an appropriate venue for campaigning or demonstrating.
   
• NEW: Entrants must provide a photo of their fully built entry by Friday, Nov. 10th at 5 PM for evaluation by the parade committee. Please plan your build accordingly.

The performance stop is at the intersection of Biltmore and Patton Avenues, and lasts 60 seconds plus 15 seconds for setup. If you run over 60 seconds, you will be stopped.

Only groups with professional performances will be allowed performance stops. If requesting to perform for judges and TV anchors, you must provide a web link to a video of your rehearsal or similar performance for review by our parade committee.

The video link AND accompanying music file is due by Friday, November 10 at 5 PM. There will be no duplication of music among groups, so first come, first served. Music must be family friendly. 

JUDGING: Trophies will be awarded in various categories, so please get creative!

PROFESSIONAL FLOAT RENTAL: A very limited number of floats are available for $1,000, including entry fee, float, truck and driver. If interested, email marci@ashevilledowntown.org for details.

NEW: Please note that large groups (25+ people) must pay $50 per 50 additional people — on top of the regular entry fee. 

If you are unsure of your correct fee(s), please ask before paying!

Participant fees are:

• Business: Vehicle & Float, includes up to 25 people walking // $300
• Business: Walking, up to 25 people included (no vehicles) // $250
• Business: Additional vehicle(s) // $75 each
• Nonprofit/non-commercial: Vehicle & Float, includes up to 25 people walking // $200
• Nonprofit/non-commercial: Walking, up to 25 people included // $150 (no vehicles)
• Nonprofit/non-commercial: Additional vehicle(s) // $50 each
• Equestrian carriage/rider // $50 each
• LARGE GROUP (25+ people; add $50 per additional 50 people)
• Public School Group: Vehicle & Float, includes up to 25 people walking // $100
• Public School Group: Walking (no vehicles), up to 25 people included
• Public School: Marching Band // Fee waived
• Public School: ROTC // Fee waived

 

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS: 

• IMPORTANT: When you click the link below to pay your fees, it will open in a new window. You must come back to this page and scroll down to read and sign the agreement, then click submit.

 

• To pay your fees online (CLICK HERE). 
• Alternatively, you can mail a check, payable to Asheville Downtown Association to:
  
  Asheville Downtown Association
  29 Haywood Street
  Asheville, NC 28801
  ATTN: Parade Committee
  IMPORTANT: Include entry name in check memo!

Applications will be evaluated once ADA has received payment — before the deadline of Friday, October 2nd.  

NOTE: Applications / payment received after Friday, October 2nd may be subject to a $50 late fee and may not be accepted.

I, the undersigned, have full and complete authority to submit this application on behalf of the Business/Group identified above and to bind such Business/Group to all terms and conditions hereof. I understand that completing this application does not guarantee my Business/Group entry's approval. I agree that if this entry is approved, it will meet all specifications as noted in the 2022 rules and that I will ensure each member of my Business/Group reads and understands the rules associated with this application. I understand that the entry fee will be forfeited, and my Business/Group will not be allowed to go through the parade if any member thereof violates these rules and regulations. My Business/Group and each member thereof shall be fully responsible for its actions, and, to the fullest extent allowed by law, hereby releases the Asheville Downtown Association, the City of Asheville, the Events Committee, parade sponsors, parade coordinators, and all officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, and affiliates of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “Organizers”) from and against any and all suits, actions, losses, damages, causes of action and claims of liability of any character, type or description, including, but not limited to, expenses of litigation, court costs, and attorney’s fees, for any death, injury, or sickness (real or alleged) (each, a “Claim”) arising out of my Business/Group’s participation in the parade. The Business/Group hereby agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold the Organizers harmless from any Claims by such Business/Group or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, invitees, group members, or parade participants arising out of such person(s)’ participation in the parade.

READ THE RULES AND INFO FOR PARTICIPANTS.

Questions? Email info@ashevilledowntown.org.