2026 Summerville Christmas Parade

Summerville Christmas Parade Statement of Purpose:
Summerville Christmas Parade is designed to promote positivity throughout the Town of Summerville while capturing the “spirit of the Christmas holiday.” The parade is a family friendly, non-political event that aims to bring the community together to celebrate the season while representing the local traditions and Summerville hospitality.

The community is invited to submit an entry application for consideration. Parade entries are reviewed by the committee and must meet the annual theme and support all rules & regulations for decorated car/truck, float or a walking group.

All applications must adhere to the same standards in displays, handouts and artistic interpretation of theme.

2026 Summerville Christmas Parade (DEC 13th)

Theme: "Christmas Stories "

Please note: application does not automatically provide entry into the parade.

Application Deadline Friday, October 30, 2026 (8pm EST)

If selected you must attend the MANDATORY parade line-up meeting.

December 2, 2026 6:00p

Location: TBA

Standard size: (up to 25 walkers/2 cars or 1 standard pickip)

Business- $200

School/civil group, religious institution or nonprofit- $100

Large size: (Max of 50 walkers/ 6 cars or 4 standard pick up trucks or one standard pick up pulling a commercial float/trailer)

Business- $300

School/civil group, religious institution or nonprofit- $150.00

XL oversized:

I.E. cement truck etc. (MAX OF 2) $400 Lowboys (MAX OF 1)

All parade applications will be reviewed by the promotions committee and selected based on the following criteria.

Application responsiveness - best information provided
DREAM Community Partners Status
Immediate past parade participation with adherence for rules and regulations
Originality and demonstration of incorporation of theme
Space restrictions (parade has limited capacity)
Service or nonprofit orientated organization

Summerville DREAM along with volunteers, staff and affiliates are committed to creating an inclusive community event. All parade applications are reviewed with equal opportunity. Applicants will receive consideration for participation without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Dream fosters a culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best events and be relevant in a rapidly changing world. Participants should recognize that strict adherence to the Christmas Parade Statement of Purpose is our “North Star” and overall guidepost on participation selection.

Political (individual or cause) campaigning and displays that sponsor advocating for or against and depicting any political organization or contentious issue, social issue are not permitted. Elected officials for the Town of Summerville and Dorchester County are invited to attend as an opportunity to help celebrate community unity and governance.

Participants may NOT include Santa or “Santa type” performers or costumes in any form.

Did you participate in the 2025 Summerville Christmas Parade

Name of Business or Organization:

Type of Organization

Please describe mission or core purpose

Website or social media

Type of parade entry (select one. this CAN NOT be changed after your application is in)

Total amount of walkers

Max is 50

Total number of standard vehicles (cars/pickups)

Max is 6 cars 2 trucks

Total number of flatbed/trailer used as a float

Max is 1

Type of vehicles, flatbed, trailer i.e. make/model and size of trailer (all must be included for approval and cannot change after application is in)

This is for approval only and CAN NOT be changed after your application is sent in,

Number of commercial trucks i.e. cement truck type.

Max is 2

Number of horses

Max is 12

Will you have amplified sound or music

Animals (select all that apply)

In 25 words or less... Provide your parade statement for the announcer

If this section is not filled out, your float will not be announced when it passes the DJ's

There will be no throwing candy or throwing of ANYTHING in the Summerville Christmas Parade. This is a Town Ordinance and is not safe. You are allowed to walk along the sidewalk and hand out items only.

My organization will follow all rules and not throw anything during the parade. Everyone in your group must follow this rule, it can prevent your organization from future participation in the Christmas Parade.

Would you like to be considered as a juried entry

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Secondary Contact

First NameLast Name

Secondary Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Fees are assigned based on size of the group, number of vehicles, animal participation and type of organization. All fees must be paid by deadline or you forfeit participation.

Once this application is submited you cannot add anything extra on the day of the event. What is on this application is what will be in the parade. If you show up with extra vehicles or trailers, they will be removed from the event.

I understand that this does NOT provide entry into the parade but is only a request for consideration. I read the information about selection process and if selected will abide by all rules and regulations