IMPORTANT DATES
- Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 6th at 4:00 PM
- Parade Entry Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, November 21st
- Donation Drop-Off Deadline: Friday, November 28th
- Participant Information & Parade Numbers Sent: Monday, December 1st
GENERAL RULES
- No entry may feature a live or life-size Santa Claus.
- All participants (unit members, escorts, staff, etc.) must be in some type of uniform, holiday dress or color coordinated attire.
- All entries MUST include holiday lighting.
- It is unlawful to throw ANYTHING from any moving entry, including candy. This rule must and will be enforced for the safety of small children who might be tempted run out into the street. Any participant caught throwing candy from their entry will be immediately removed from the parade and disqualified. NOTE: You may have walkers with your float to hand out
candy, items etc. to parade attendees, but please do not throw anything.
- No one is allowed on or off moving floats. Staff or escort changes should only be made when your float has come to a complete stop.
- Each float is requested to have a walking crew of at least 4 persons to walk at curbside.
- No ATV’s, mopeds, or tractor trailers will be allowed.
- Any child participating in the parade must be supervised by an adult who will assume the responsibility for the safety and well-being of that child. Due to the length of the parade route, children walking in the parade must be 6 years of age or older.
- All music MUST BE holiday themed and family friendly.
PARADE LINE-UP
- Entry numbers will be assigned one week before the parade. The contact person will be notified and it will be their responsibility to pass on the line-up information to the participants with their entry.
- Entry numbers must be visible on the driver’s side of each entry for judging.
- Vehicles pulling floats MUST be at assigned number at the parade site by 3:00 PM. Walking units and riders of floats should assemble at assigned numbers NO LATER THAN 3:30PM.
- The parade will start promptly at 4PM.
VEHICLES
- All vehicles must be decorated and lighted with holiday lights. INSIDE DOME LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
- Tractors are encouraged as part of the parade, but must be lit with holiday lights and or themed to the parade theme.
BANDS, PERFORMING GROUPS, WALKERS & MARCHING UNITS
- All walkers must be in uniform, holiday dress or color coordinated attire. The dress for walkers, staff or escorts should coordinate with the individual float theme which should be in accordance with the overall parade theme.
- Walking units not associated with a float must carry a banner/sign with their organization name at the front of their unit.
- Entries must maintain a consistent speed to avoid gaps & prevent accidents.
- Performances are limited to 45 seconds.
- Stationary performances are only allowed for the judges. All other performing should be conducted while moving in a forward motion.
FLOATS
- Floats must be a fully decorated trailer, flatbed truck, or other platform on wheels that is self-propelled or pulled by a tow vehicle. All floats MUST INCLUDE skirting and be decorated in accordance with the overall theme of the parade.
- Floats must not exceed a height of 14 feet.
- The parade is a NIGHT PARADE, so each entry MUST HAVE bright lighting to participate. This does not include headlights or dome lights.
- All floats must display a sign/banner with their organization name on BOTH sides of the entry.
- Adult supervision is required for any riders under 13 years of age.
It is YOUR responsibility to inform all members of your group of your official entry name, number, line-up instructions, pick-up instructions and rules.
PARADE ENTRY FEE -iN-KIND DONATIONS
This year, instead of a traditional entry fee, we are asking participants to make an in-kind new toy donations with a minimum value of $50. All donation materials must be dropped off at the City of Laurens City Hall no later than Friday, November 28th. 126 E. Public Square, Laurens, SC 29360
This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community during the holiday season while joining in the fun of the Christmas parade. Thank you for your generosity and participation in spreading holiday cheer!