Christmas Parade Entries & Vendors Wanted
The Christmas Parade will take place in conjunction with the Town of Christiansburg’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas at the Market, known collectively as Christmas on Main. There is no entry fee for the parade. This year’s parade theme is “A Smalltown Christmas Stroll.”
Parade entries will be judged with the following criteria:
Three categories: A. Float, B. Non – Float (marching/walking groups, cars, and bands), C. Best Overall.
Judges will also be looking for adherence to the theme; creativity; innovative use of materials; craftsmanship. All judging will occur during the parade itself. Judges will be selected/solicited by Parks and Recreation Staff. All judge’s decisions are final.
1. We encourage all parade participants to plan their decorations around the theme of the parade, but at the minimum decorating your entry with Christmas decorations is required for entry. This includes walking groups, floats or cars and excludes all emergency vehicles (police, fire, and rescue).
2. All parade entries MUST be decorated.
3. Safety is the most important aspect of the parade. Anyone deemed acting in an unsafe manner will not be allowed to participate.
4. All entries will be given a number and all vehicles of your entry MUST have the number displayed on the right side, if the number is not displayed, they do not get to go through the parade route. Walking groups only have to display one number. Emergency vehicles are exempt from the number.
5. Throwing, tossing, or handing out of candy or gifts from any entry is strictly prohibited, with the exception of our Santa riding on the last fire engine.
6. The parade route is on public streets and is under the jurisdiction of the Christiansburg Police Department. Anyone operating a motorized vehicle is reminded that these vehicles must be operated in accordance with the law.
7. Race cars, tractors and unlicensed trailers are allowed to participate in the parade provided that they do so in a safe manner.
8. All participants riding on floats should follow basic safety rules. They should stay away from the edges and keep hands and feet away from the wheels of the float and the vehicle.
9. Any vehicles that experience mechanical difficulties anywhere along the parade route should attempt to pull over to the side of the road and out of the parade line. Do not attempt to repair any distressed vehicle. Anyone requiring assistance should seek out a police officer that will be along the parade route at most intersections. Payment for any repair or towing charge will be the sole responsibility of the persons or organization requesting service.
10. Do not proceed onto the street until you are signaled by a parade official. This will help to ensure the safety of all.
11. In case of inclement weather, the decision will be made by noon on December 11th to postpone the parade.
Parade applications are due by Monday, November 24th at 5 p.m.
**Due to high demand, late or incomplete applications will not be considered.**
Christmas Parade Contact:
Austin Gilmore
agilmore@christiansburg.org
540-382-2349 ext. 2017
