City of Hamilton Christmas Boat Parade Participant Survey
Share your experience and suggestions to help us improve future Christmas Boat Parades. This survey is for both new and returning participants.
Have you participated in the Christmas Boat Parade before?
*
Yes
No
Participant Section
If yes, how many times have you participated in the City's Christmas Boat Parade?
2-3 times
4 or more times
What type of participant are you?
*
Individual boat owner
Business or workplace
Non-profit or community group
Other
How clear and helpful was the information provided before the parade (registration, rules, timelines, expectations)?
*
Very clear
Mostly clear
Somewhat clear
Not clear
Did you feel adequately supported by the City before and during the event?
*
Yes
Somewhat
No
What was the biggest challenge you experienced in participating? (Select all that apply)
Cost (decorations, fuel)
Time commitment
Boat preparation or decorating
Safety or technical requirements
Communications or uncertainty
Weather concerns
None
Other
Which of the following would make participation easier or more appealing in the future? (Select all that apply)
*
Earlier communication and reminders
Clearer timelines or checklists
Additional incentives or prizes
Support with decorations or lighting
Simplified requirements
More award categories
Other
What forms of recognition or appreciation matter most to you? (Select all that apply)
*
Awards or prizes
Public Acknowledgment
Media or Social Media Coverage
Thank you messages
Participant perks (eg refreshments, swag)
Thinking about your most recent participation, what was your approximate total spend (e.g., décor, lighting, fuel, materials, etc)?
*
$500 – $1,000
$1,001 – $3,000
$3,001 – $5,000
Over $5,000
What was the best part of your experience?
What is one thing the City could change to make participating easier, more enjoyable or more worthwhile?
Overall, how would you rate your experience participating in the parade?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
What motivated (or would motivate) you to participate in the Christmas Boat Parade? (Select all that apply)
The fun and overall experience
The chance to win prizes or awards
Being Part of a beloved community tradition
Promoting my business, group, or cause
Encouragement from friends/family/crew
I haven't participated before
How likely are you to participate in future Christmas Boat Parades?
Very likely
Likely
Unsure
Unlikely
Please use this space to further expand your answers if you selected 'Other' for questions 1, 7 and 8.
Non-Participant Section
If no, what can be done to attract you to participate?
Which of the following would make participation easier or more appealing to you?
Clearer information on parade logistics (route, timing, safety requirements)
Earlier notice and confirmed parade date
Simplified registration process
Reduced entry fee or no entry fee
Assistance with docking or marina coordination
Access to discounted or sponsored decorations/materials
Clear judging criteria shared in advance
Shorter parade duration
Dedicated point of contact for participant questions
Family-friendly participation guidelines
Support with lighting or electrical requirements
Other
What forms of recognition or appreciation matter most to you?
Trophies or plaques
Prize money
Gift cards or sponsored prizes
Social media recognition by the City
Professional photos or video of my boat
Certificate of participation
Media coverage (news, City website, or press release)
Special flags, banners, or decals for participating boats
Invitation to a post-parade reception or gathering
Public recognition during the parade or awards ceremony
Other
Submit Survey
Should be Empty: