Parade Details
- Date & Time: Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 6:15 p.m.
- Staging: Line-up begins at 5:15 p.m. in the parking lot of Ottawa Memorial Park Pool Parking Lot. Entries should be in assigned line-up spots no later than 6:00 p.m.
- Route: Parade entries will begin moving into position at 6:05 p.m. by heading south on Locust to arrive at the corner of Locust Street and Main Street by 6:15 p.m. Route then continues to proceed west on Main Street, north on Oak Street, east on 4th Street ending at corner of 4th Street & Locust.
- Eligibility: Businesses, organizations, churches, schools, teams, musical groups, public officials, cars, trucks, motorcycles, farm implements, horses, and other animals are welcome.
- Parade Entries: Lighting is highly recommended for all floats and entries to ensure visibility during the nighttime parade.
- Safety Rules: No throwing candy or other items/materials along the route. Items may be handed directly to spectators. Please do not include a live Santa in your entry as Santa will be last entry in parade.
- Deadline: Parade entry forms are due by Monday, November 23.
- Line-Up Info: Your parade line-up number will be emailed on Monday, November 30.
- Changes for 2026: Live performances in front of the courthouse will not be included in this year's parade activities.
Entry Judging
Parade entries will be judged on overall appearance, creativity, festive spirit, and presentation with cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. As this is a nighttime parade, we strongly encourage all entries to be fully lit to enchance the holiday celebration.
Post-Parade Activities
Photos with Santa by Kristen Schnipke (146 W. Main current location of The Hair Lounge), refreshments by local businesses/organizations/groups at Rex Park, Go Ottawa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at the corner of Taft St. & Main St., Once Upon A Main Street Storybook Trail kickoff, and shop at local businesses to complete your Small Business Passport for a chance to win a gift card to a participating passport business.
Questions
Rosemary Buerger: directoroacc@ottawachamber.org
Kelly Theisen: membershipoacc@ottawachamber.org
PH: 419-523-3141