Traverse City Light Parade Volunteer Roles

Help us create a wonderfully memorable celebration for our downtown community. Volunteer to support one of our most cherished events. Review the roles and shifts below, then sign up today!

Light Parade Volunteer Signup

Role Descriptions and Shift Times

Event Setup, 2 slots, 2:00-4:30pm

Help set the stage for Downtown’s showiest, “glowiest” event:

  • Pick up parking cones from Front Street
  • Set up wooden traffic barricades and ADA accessible area
  • Set up garbage bins

Volunteer meeting: Onsite, 2:30-2:45pm

Check-In Station: 4 slots, 3:30-6:30pm

The Check-In Station volunteer will be the central information point for staging, monitoring and de-staging. Duties include:  

  • Check in all entries
  • Give entries directions to their staging area with a map 
  • Review the no handout rule 
  • Review the forward motion rule 
  • Explain the Parade Route Monitors role 
  • Answering questions as needed

Volunteer training meeting: Thur, Nov 20, 5:30-6:30pm

Staging: 6 slots, 3:30-8

Staging begins as the entries arrive. Each lead in the staging area will:

  • Direct the entries to the proper location in a safe and efficient manner. 
  • Instruct entries to the check-in location once they are parked. Staging maps will be created and distributed to those assisting with staging. 
  • The staging lead will ensure the entries are in their respective spots and fully aware of the following:
    • No hand outs 
    • Forward motion at all times, unless it is not possible at which time the parade route monitors will assist in resuming the parade forward motion. 
    • You will receive and be responsible for the contact lists for all types of emergency situations.

Tree Lighting Treat Patrol: 6 slots (volunteers under 18 allowed), 4:00-6:30pm

Be a part of Santa’s Street Team!

  • Hand out candy and giveaways at the Tree Lighting ceremony
  • Continue to pass out candy during the parade set up (after the lighting, before parade step off) – help clear the streets using treats as the incentive

Volunteer training meeting: Thur, Nov 20, 5:30-6:30pm

Parade Route Monitor & De-staging: 15 slots, 5:30-8:00pm

Parade Route Monitors are expected to:

  • Patrol along the parade within their designated block. Monitor for pace, rule enforcement, and safety along the parade route.  
  • Ensure that the parade continues a forward motion at all times.  
  • Notify the designated person in the event the parade comes to a complete stop with no forward motion possible. 
  • Keep a clear, safe path for the parade to pass through.  
  • Wear reflective vests, have a headlight and/or flashlight.  
  • Follow along with the parade and at the end of the parade route monitors will assist all entries off the parade route in a safe and orderly manner.
  • Assist throughout the de-staging area as needed.  

Volunteer training meeting: Thur, Nov 20, 5:30-6:30pm

Santa’s House: 2 slots, 7-9pm (volunteers under 18 allowed)

Help Santa greet kiddos!

  • Keep the line manageable.
  • Hand out candy canes,
  • Help take family photos (on phones).
  • Spread the holiday love!

Volunteer training meeting: Thur, Nov 20, 5:30-6:30pm at Traverse City Tourism, 101 Grandview Pkwy

Light Parade Volunteer Signup