Parade Application

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.

2026 Parade Participation Release and Waiver
By filling out this application, our organization, if selected, agrees to participate in the 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. In consideration for being accepted as a participant, we irrevocably grant Macon Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival the exclusive right to use, in any media, our name, likeness, photographs, or reproductions of our performance for any purpose, including promotion, advertising, or other uses.

We hereby release Macon Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival, its employees, sponsors, volunteers, and agents from any claims, liabilities, or damages that may arise now or in the future due to such use.

Further, we acknowledge the inherent risks associated with participation in the parade and, on behalf of ourselves and our heirs, release Macon Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival and its employees, sponsors, volunteers, and agents from any claims, liabilities, or damages arising from personal injury or property damage before, during, or after the parade.

 
Parade Rules Acknowledgment
No Throwing or Tossing Items: Absolutely no items, including candy, may be thrown along the parade route. Violation of this rule by any member of your parade unit may result in immediate removal from the parade, and entry fees will not be refunded.
Personal Responsibility: I understand and accept that participation in parade events involves the risk of serious personal injury and property damage. I assume all risk for myself, my participants, and any property under my control.
Vehicle Operation: If operating a vehicle in the parade, I certify that I am validly licensed and carry automobile insurance as required by Georgia law. I agree to comply with all applicable traffic and safety laws.
Compliance with Parade Rules: I agree to follow all rules established by the Parade Committee, including:

Abstaining from throwing items from parade units.
Abstaining from the use of drugs or alcohol during parade lineup, within parade units, or along the parade route.