2025 Parade of Lights Application

7th Annual Fairfield Parade of Lights Application

The City is seeking participants for this eye-catching event! Want to be apart of the 2025 Fairfield Parade of Lights? We are looking to include art and cultural organizations, schools, community groups, and City departments with illuminated floats, vehicles, performances, and more!
The City of Fairfield is proud to welcome the community to celebrate the holiday season with our annual Fairfield Parade of Lights which will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025!

Want to be part of the 2025 Fairfield Parade of Lights? The City is seeking participants for this eye-catching event! We are looking to include art and cultural organizations, schools, community groups, and City departments with illuminated floats, vehicles, performances, and more!

The parade will bring together the entirety of our local community to celebrate the spirit of the winter season. This event is a celebratory way to integrate your business further within the community – we would love to see you there!

DO NOT FORGET! The Fairfield Parade of Lights judging committee will be awarding a trophy to the most creative Community Entry float and City Entry float! In order for them to see who is who- please have a sign on the front of your lead vehicle with the name of your group.

Parade Time: The parade will step off at 6 PM at Waterworks Park. Participants must be at Waterworks by 5:30. Late arrivals may not be allowed to join the line up and participate in the parade.

ENTRY DETAILS: Applicants will be sent instructions for parade day regarding lineup and staging area assignments during the week before the parade. Please note that all walkers must be lit up to participate. Not only does this make the parade more festive- but it helps keep walkers safe in the dark.

HOW TO APPLY: Fill out the information below. All entries must be reviewed by the parade committee prior to participation in the parade. We will let you know if you are NOT approved within a few days. Otherwise- start planning! Applications must be received by Friday, November 7th, 2025.
Name of Organization (this is who you will be announced as and who you will be listed as for the judges):*
Please make sure judges can see who you are on your entry. Place a sign on the front of the lead vehicle so they can see who is coming up.
Main Contact Name:*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Brief description of your organization (and/or float entry theme if you know it) that will be read by commentator during parade. Please keep it brief.: *

(Ex: who you are, what is the theme. Max 75 words.)0/75
Will you be parking your float at the end of the parade during the tree lighting?*

YesNoN/A- all walkers
I understand that in choosing "yes" above, I will not be able to exit when the parade finishes until the tree lighting portion is over. Any changes to this MUST be made before the day of the parade via email. Answering "no" means I will exit immediately upon arrival at Village Green and will not park for the tree lighting.*

Yes
Will there be amplified sound?*

YesNo
Entry Specifics:
Entry Category (check)*

Float/VehicleWalkers (must be lit up)City DepartmentOther
Number of Participants*
Number of vehicles (please do not bring more then stated here):*
Please only bring the number above or less in order to fit everyone in the line up.
Combined Length for all vehicles together:*
Must be accurate to fit in spaces you will be provided.
Has your organization/ business been in a parade before?

YesNo
Additional Information:
Please be sure to have the name of your organization lit and on the FRONT of your vehicle/float so it can be seen by the judges and commentator as you approach the stage. Also, please be on time to line up for the parade. Arriving late will mean that you may not be able to participate. Plan ahead for traffic entering Waterworks Park.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. ALL entries must have holiday lights on them (including walking entries).
2. No unit will be admitted into the parade that has not been pre-approved.
3. The Fairfield Parade of Lights committee reserves the right to reject any entry that is inappropriate, not in good taste, not in the best interest of the parade, or depicts a controversial issue. Late arrivals to line up may not be permitted to particiapate in the parade.
4. All units are required to maintain forward motion at all times. No maneuvers or drills are allowed
  that slows the forward movement of the parade. This includes color guards, animal entries, and
  cheer/pom teams.
5. All entries should be properly identified with signs or banners with the organization's name so the spectators know who you are.
6. Drivers of motorized vehicles must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license and insurance.
7. Siren and Horns - Please refrain from using them. They compete with musical units and are not in keeping with the parade holiday/winter ambiance.
8. The walkers must be able to keep up with the pace and length of the parade and must be lit.
9. Equestrian and animal units must provide their own accompanying clean-up personnel and
  equipment. Please make sure the horses have the proper shoes. If you have a vehicle, carriage, etc. it
  MUST have lights on it to go through the parade.
10. All parade participants are required to conduct themselves in such a manner as not to infringe on
  the rights of those people living in and along with the staging areas and parade route. NO solicitation is
  allowed during the event.
11. No impersonating Santa please - we have invited the "real" Santa!
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
1. No objects including candy, flyers, or favors, may be THROWN out along the entire parade route or in the staging area.
2. There will be no fueling of generators during the parade. Fuel cans (gasoline, fuel oil, etc.) are not allowed to be stored on the entry. They can be stored in the vehicle.
3. There will be NO live fires or open flames on any floats.
4. One current 5 lb. ABC Dry Chemical extinguisher must be carried and accessible on each float.
5. There are to be no vision obstructions to tow vehicles. An observer other than the driver is required
  with all towed entries. The observer can walk or ride with the entry.
6. Electrical problems are a concern. Safety inspectors may look for common hazards such as exceeding the number of light strands per manufacturer’s specifications, faulty extension cords, staples in wiring, etc.
7. Alcohol beverages are not allowed in the staging area, or during the parade.
8. No smoking near or on entries.
9. Please place your generators in a well-ventilated area on your entry. We recommend the use of 10 to 12 gauge wire to the generator.
10. Any violation of the rules or safety requirements could result in not being able to participate in the parade.
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7th Annual Fairfield Parade of Lights Application