Light Parade 2024 Entry Rules
Parade Unit Rules & Guidelines
GENERAL RULES: General rules apply to all entries regardless of type.
- No candy/materials can be thrown on the parade route. As it is dark out, flying materials may be hard to see. Candy or other materials may be handed to children by walkers or float participants (with proper adult supervision).
- If you are handing out any other materials, including print pieces, they must be of value to the attendee. We will not allow marketing materials without an offer or other substantive value for the guest.
- To maintain the magic of the parade’s final appearance, only the official Santa will appear. Participants may wear Santa hats, but there is only one Santa, and we’ve got him. Exception to this rule: inflatable Santas will be permitted.
- Participants must not exceed a speed limit of 10 mph. Please maintain a consistent speed when possible and avoid gaps.
- Maintain a 10-second distance or approximately 30 feet between parade route participants.
- All units are required to maintain a forward motion.
- Drivers of motorized vehicles licensed for road use must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. Please stay with vehicle at all times. Drivers must share their cell phone numbers with the personnel at the Parade Check In.
- If a generator is required, it must be provided by the participant.
- Any Participant sponsored by, advocating for, or depicting any political organization or controversial issue are not permitted. Only seated official representatives elected by the people are permitted in the parade and are by invitation only. No campaigning is allowed.
- You are expected to submit your media read at 200 words or less. If you have updates after submission, please email Sara Klebba at sara@downtowntc.com.
NO CHASE/ SUPPORT VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED BY ANY ENTRY. There are several emergency vehicles posted along the parade route and are there for the purpose of assisting any parade participants.
- Floats must be equipped with a Class ABC fire extinguisher. All units will be checked for this item at line-up time.
- All children under the age of 10 must have adult supervision and are the sole responsibility of the participant.
PERFORMER SPECIFIC RULES
- Performers may display the organization’s logo and hand out literature.
- All participants must have lights; minimum 100 lights per performer.
- If a vehicle is part of the performance, it must have lights as well; minimum of 2,000 lights.
- No maneuvers are allowed that slow the forward movement of the parade.
- All children under the age of 10 must have adult supervision and are the sole responsibility of the participant.
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION RULES
- Participant must be a 501(c)3 non-profit.
- Minimum of 2,000 lights per entry. Please note, that this is the minimum and more lights are encouraged. LED lights are recommended to avoid heat and battery drain issues.
- Participant may partner with a “corporate sponsor” they contract to cover additional costs beyond the stipend. Any use of a corporate logo must be approved in advance.
- No float may exceed 13 feet in height due to traffic lights and power lines on Front and Union Streets. Floats may not exceed 21 feet in width. Please measure the total entry length, including the vehicle, tow bar, and float to ensure sufficient spacing for the staging area and route.
- All units will be inspected for unapproved advertising, sponsor mentions, etc. All unauthorized advertising will be removed. The participant may display the non-profit logo and hand out organization literature.
- Walkers must remain behind the float and must not walk beside or in front of moving vehicles. Walkers may hand out materials.
- All walkers must be festively dressed within the theme of the float. Do not dress as if you are part of the general public walking behind a float.
VEHICULAR ENTRY RULES
- Minimum of 2,000 lights per entry. Please note, that this is the minimum and more lights are encouraged. LED lights are recommended to avoid heat and battery drain issues.
- No maneuvers are allowed that slow the forward movement of the parade.
- Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, or other motorized vehicles not licensed for road use are deemed unacceptable unless approved in writing by the DTCA.
- Motorized units must be equipped with a Class ABC fire extinguisher. All units will be checked for this item at line-up time.