• All drivers, main contacts, and walking marshals must attend the mandatory parade entry meeting on Thursday, November 19th, 2026 at 5:30 pm. This meeting will be virtual or in person; the meeting link will be sent out the week prior and the in-person location will be announced closer to the date. If you are unable to attend you must reach out to Red Arch Community Events, Inc. to ensure you will still be able to participate.
• ALL entries must have a walking marshal. Please see instructions for walking marshals below.
• Every walker, rider, and their accessories must be illuminated. Glow products, LEDs, neon, and other light products may substitute for traditional lights.
• All motorized units or units with a generator must carry an emergency spill kit and a minimum of one 2A10BC-type fire extinguisher. Enclosed entries need one extinguisher inside within reach of the driver and one on the outside.
• No open flames or drones are permitted on the parade route.
• There is NO throwing candy or any other objects from floats or vehicles. Walkers may hand items directly to spectators but must stay near the curb.
• All drivers will be required to submit their driver's license number and vehicle insurance information.
• There is only ONE Santa and Mrs. Claus in the parade. Red Arch Community Events will have Santa and Mrs. Claus in the last float of the parade.
• There is absolutely NO stopping during the parade. Doing so will result in a ban from participating in future parades. This is a serious safety hazard and no exceptions to the ban will be allowed.
• This year groups that intend to have a motorized vehicle will only be allowed the following: Float entries will only be allowed one vehicle that is pulling the float. Vehicle entries will only be allowed to have one vehicle and one ATV. ATVs and golf carts will be allowed two per entry. If you wish to have more than what is listed, you will be charged entry fees based on the limit per entry — for example, 4 vehicles means 4 entry fees. You must fill out an application for each vehicle or entry and we will invoice you appropriately.
• It is important you fill out the application as best as possible. We understand we are still several months from the parade so please fill it out to the best of your ability!
• Parade Unit may be no wider than 8 feet, no taller than 13 feet and must safely navigate the route.

• First responders: A First Responder Entry will include a Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, and EMS/Paramedic. There is no charge to participate.
• Non-Profits: A Non-Profit / Community Organization entry is an organization certified as a 501(c)(3) organization, or Community Service Group such as Girls/Boys Scouts, High School Clubs, Marching Bands, and others determined by Red Arch Community Events, Inc. No company or sponsor logos will be permitted. You may display the nonprofit or group logo. There is a $25 charge per entry.
• General Entry: General entries are businesses, individuals, families, or groups that are not community-based organizations or non-profits. The General entries are the only group that may display a company logo. There is a $50 charge per entry.

• Floats
• Vehicles – Trucks – ATVs – Golf Carts – Auto Clubs – Motorcycle Clubs – Car Groups
• Walking groups - performing groups – Bicycle Groups
• Animal groups. All animal groups will be subject to approval from Red Arch Community Events, Inc. No animals with a bite history and all small animals must be leashed.

Every entry must have a walking marshal. Walking Marshals are critical to the success of the parade by keeping their group on the required pace, which eliminates parade gaps. Walking Marshals should also watch for any concerns along the route and are encouraged to help with crowd control — if spectators are pushing on the gates or encroaching on the parade route, please ask them to step back.

• Walking Marshal (WM) must carry an entry number for entry identification for the judges and ensure the number is visible as the entry approaches the judges' table and sound stations areas. Entry number is issued the day of the parade.
• WM must also carry the entry's identification sign, which the Emcees will look for to ensure entries are announced correctly.
• WM must be at least 16 years of age.
• WM are required to walk approximately five feet in front of the entry on the left driver's headlight side (upper left-hand corner of the group) and, through communication with their entry, maintain the pace required to ensure no gaps are created.
• WM must have the ability to listen, follow instructions and communicate issues to the parade monitors along the route.
• WM must be able to provide instruction/direction to their entry. If your entry suffers a breakdown during the parade, move the entry to the left side and communicate with and allow the entries behind you to pass. WM must notify the closest parade monitor of the breakdown.

When completing the commentary section, include information that can be used to identify and describe your entry for the spectators. The Emcees will use this description to announce your entry. Your commentary should be a brief narrative – use 2-5 sentences. Remember, to maintain the spirit of the event, the script should be fun to hear! Event producers and media networks reserve the right to edit and use the material as needed and at their sole discretion. Every entry must complete and return the commentary document within two weeks of receipt.

Commentary Samples Examples:

• "A heartfelt salute to our troops as the parade showcases a patriotic float, reminding us of the sacrifices made for our freedom. It's a poignant reminder that the holiday spirit extends beyond festivities and into our gratitude for those who serve."
• "Wow, folks, talk about a winter wonderland that came to life! As the Nutcracker-themed float waltzes past, notice the intricate detailing on those costumes and the way those lights dance to the rhythm of Tchaikovsky's music. Pure enchantment!"
• "Hold onto your reindeer reins, because the Griswold family has joined our parade with their over-the-top Christmas lights extravaganza! Clark would be proud. This one is definitely lighting up the neighborhood."