APPLICATION RULES
A PARADE APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED FROM ANY ENTITY WANTING TO PARTICIPATE in the 2024 Charleston Christmas Parade. No more than one application will be accepted per entity.
SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SPOT IN THE PARADE. A maximum of 125 entries will be accepted. All other applications will be placed on a waiting list.
CONFIRMATION THAT YOUR PARADE ENTRY HAS SECURED A SPOT WILL BE SENT VIA EMAIL. If you are unable to participate, you must notify specialevents@cityofcharleston.org no later than December 2, 2024. No-shows without prior notice may be ineligible for future participation.
ENTITIES WHO DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION OR RECEIVE CONFIRMATION OF A SPOT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE.
THE SANTA CLAUSE
Santa has already accepted our invitation to attend and will make an appearance at the end of the parade. NO OTHER “SANTAS” ARE PERMITTED. Parade Entries that show up with a “Santa” will not be permitted to participate.
CHECK-IN / EXIT PROCEDURES
ONLY THE PRIMARY OR SECONDARY CONTACT ON THIS FORM CAN CHECK IN the Parade Entry. Contact will be required to show confirmation of a spot in the parade.
ONE VEHICLE, PER ENTRY, IS PERMITTED ON KANAWHA BOULEVARD—NO EXCEPTIONS. This vehicle must carry/transport any decorations needed to complete the parade entry OR be fully decorated before the lineup.
Once Parade Entry has been assigned a number in the lineup, YOU MUST REMAIN IN PLACE FOR THE DURATION OF THE EVENT. First responders are exempt from this rule.
Removal of decorations, from the Parade Entry, must be completed AFTER EXITING THE PARADE ROUTE AND MOVING TO THE DESIGNATED AREA. Officers will direct Parade Entries to appropriate location upon exiting parade route.
VEHICLE AND TRAILER REQUIREMENTS
PARADE ENTRIES MAY NOT EXCEED 50 feet in length (towing vehicle and trailer) OR 40 feet in length (straight truck such as a fire truck), 14 feet in height, and 10 feet in width. Tractor trailers are not permitted.
It is the responsibility of the Parade Entry to ensure that VEHICLE IS INSURED AND OPERATED BY A LICENSED DRIVER.
Parade Entries must have handholds for standing participants and secure, safe seating for others. Décor and participants cannot hang over the sides.
Upon confirmation of a spot in the parade, ANY PARADE ENTRY WITH A VEHICLE AND TRAILER MUST BE DISCUSSED WITH THE PARADE COORDINATOR.
THE REVVING OF ENGINES, SPINNING OF TIRES, STOPPING UNNECESSARILY, EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION, AND SIMILAR BEHAVIORS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED and will result in the Parade Entry and all associated participants being removed from the parade.
POLICE/FIRE/EMS PARTICIPATING IN THE PARADE MAY ONLY USE HORNS/SIRENS AT INTERSECTIONS ALONG THE ROUTE.
PARADE ENTRY GUIDELINES
The City of Charleston's Christmas parade is a FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT FOR ALL AGES. All entries must ensure costumes, behavior, language, and dance moves are appropriate for young audiences. Non-compliance may result in immediate removal from the parade and may jeopardize future participation.
ALL ENTRIES MUST FEATURE CHRISTMAS THEMES AND DECORATIONS. Parade Entries are strongly encouraged to incorporate lights into their designs. Vehicles should embody the Christmas spirit. Vans and utility vehicles are only permitted if they are tastefully decorated or attached to a float in line with the theme.
DISPLAY OF ORGANIZATION/BUSINESS NAME ON PARADE ENTRIES IS ENCOURAGED. The listing of telephone numbers, addresses or advertising statements is not permitted.
CANDY MAY BE HANDED OUT BY WALKERS IN THE PARADE. Handing candy out the window of a vehicle or throwing candy is strictly prohibited.
ELECTED OFFICIALS MAY REPRESENT THEIR OFFICE IN THE PARADE. However, campaigning (“Vote For” “Support X Candidate”) is strictly prohibited.
ALL DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH, AND STAY WITH THE PARADE ENTRY.
PARADE ENTRY JUDGING
Parade entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Incorporation of the parade theme: Neon Wonderland
- Creativity and originality
- Design and workmanship
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