2026 Cherry Blossom Parade

2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Guidelines
Contact:
Sarah Ford
sford@cherryblossom.com

 
Date & Time
Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM

 
Parade Route
The parade begins at the intersection of MLK Jr. Blvd. and Cherry Street, continues down Cherry Street, turns right onto Second Street, and proceeds along Mulberry Street until ending at MLK Jr. Blvd.

 
Application Instructions
The following items must be submitted by the application deadline to participate in the parade:

Completed Application
Registration Fee
Proof of Insurance
 
Application Deadline
Friday, Febuary 27, 2026

 
Acceptance & Notification
Participants will be notified of their unit’s acceptance into the parade.
The primary contact listed on the application is responsible for ensuring all members of their unit receive parade information.
Patriotic-themed floats, vehicles, and decorations are highly encouraged.
Dance teams will not be accepted.
All participants must be in a vehicle, float, or trailer, unless they are part of a band, ROTC, or cheer team.
 
Registration Fees
Schools and Military Units: Free
Macon-Bibb County Units: Free
Non-Commercial Units (Nonprofits, Places of Worship, Community Groups): $100
Commercial Units (Businesses and Corporations): $150
 
Parade Political Participation
The Cherry Blossom Festival does not endorse any political affiliation.

Campaigning is not permitted along the parade route.
Only currently elected officials may participate, and they will be recognized for their current office only.
Campaign signs or merchandise are not permitted for any participant.
 
Insurance Requirements
Commercial and Non-Commercial Units:

Must provide a Certificate of Comprehensive General Liability (CGL) insurance with a combined single limit of at least $500,000, covering bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage.
Float units must also provide commercial automobile insurance with a minimum combined single limit of $500,000.
Insurance Certificate Provisions:
a) Certificate Holder: Macon Georgia Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., 794 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201
b) Additional Named Insured: Macon Georgia Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., 794 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 (on both CGL and automobile policies)
c) Cancellation Clause: Policies may not be canceled or reduced without 30 days’ notice via certified mail to the Cherry Blossom Festival Office.

Individual Vehicle Applicants:

Must provide proof of automobile liability insurance with minimum limits: $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence, $100,000 property damage.
Applicants who fail to provide a compliant certificate will not be permitted to participate.

 
Vehicle Requirements
Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and be at least 18 years old.
 
Float Information
Organizations interested in building a parade float may contact:
Kip Dingler
Phone: 478-256-8944
Email: kipdingler@bellsouth.net

Patriotic-themed floats are strongly encouraged.