Saturday, December 5, 2026

6:00 PM

1. Parade Theme: All entries must reflect the theme, The Magic of Christmas.

2. Participants are encouraged to be creative and incorporate festive decorations, Christmas lights, music, and other elements that celebrate the Christmas season.

3. Entry Types: The parade is designed for decorated Christmas floats, Christmas-themed walking groups, marching bands, performing groups, and approved specialty Christmas-themed vehicles. All entries must be appropriate for a family-friendly Christmas celebration.

4. Vehicle Restrictions: Standard cars, trucks, Jeeps, motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides are not permitted as standalone entries simply for display or transportation. Specialty vehicles may be approved if they are extensively decorated and incorporated into a complete Christmas-themed presentation. A wreath, bow, or single strand of lights does not qualify a vehicle as a Christmas-themed entry. All specialty vehicles must receive prior approval from parade organizers.

5. Float and Support Vehicles: Vehicles used to pull floats or provide necessary support for approved entries are permitted. Whenever possible, these vehicles should also be decorated to complement the float or group they accompany. Support vehicles are not considered separate parade entries.

6. Lighting: All floats and approved specialty vehicles must be illuminated with Christmas lighting. Since the parade takes place after dark, adequate lighting is essential for visibility and the overall Christmas atmosphere.

7. Candy Distribution: Candy and other small treats may be distributed to spectators during the parade.

8. Appropriate Displays: Political campaigning, offensive material, inappropriate language, and controversial displays are prohibited. All entries must maintain a positive, family-friendly Christmas atmosphere.

9. Parade Movement: Participants must maintain approximately 30 feet between entries and keep the parade moving at a steady pace. Entries may not stop to perform except at the designated judge’s stand.

10. Parade Lineup and Check-In: Staging begins at 2:00 PM at Bolivar Central High School. All entries must be checked in and in their assigned lineup locations by 5:00 PM. Late arrivals may be placed at the end of the parade or denied participation.

11. Animals: Horses and livestock of any kind are not permitted in the parade.

12. Santa Claus: To preserve the magic of Christmas for our youngest spectators, only the official Santa Claus provided by the City of Bolivar may appear in the parade. No other participants may dress as Santa Claus.

13. Music: Entries playing music must use Christmas or theme-appropriate selections. Music must be suitable for audiences of all ages.

14. Participant Conduct: All participants are expected to demonstrate respectful, positive, and family-friendly behavior. Drivers and participants must follow directions from parade officials and public safety personnel at all times.

15. Judging and Awards: Parade judging will take place at the amphitheater at the end of the parade route. Winners will be notified following the parade to arrange for the presentation of awards and photographs for publication in the local newspaper the following week.

16. Entry Approval and Enforcement: The City of Bolivar reserves the right to approve, deny, or remove any entry that does not meet parade requirements or follow the instructions of parade officials. Registration does not guarantee participation.

    
     

DUE DATE:

Parade entry forms are due no later than November 20, 2026.

 

PARADE CONTACT:

Questions regarding the parade and/or entries may be directed to Dylan Hill at dhill.cityofbolivar@gmail.com.

 

 

 

HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

By signing below, I acknowledge that participation in the Bolivar Christmas Parade is voluntary.  I agree to hold harmless the City of Bolivar, Bolivar Main Street, and parade organizers from any liability or injury arising from participation.