Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade

-This year’s theme is Polar Express. -The parade will begin at the corner of Woodrow Wilson Drive and Patterson Street and continue south on Patterson Street. It will disband at the old Bank of America building in Downtown. -Units may begin lining up at 12 noon until 4 p.m. On Burton Street. -Traffic must enter from N Oak Street, where you will be directed to your position. -Line up for the parade is on a “first-come” basis. -To maintain the overall effect of the parade, all entries must be decorated in a holiday theme or the theme of the parade & will be strictly enforced. Decorative lighting is encouraged. -Float entries are preferred as it makes the parade more enjoyable. Only floats will be judged. A float is classified as a truck pulling a trailer or flatbed with security rails. -All entries must maintain FORWARD MOVEMENT during the entirety of the parade. This includes all walking groups/ performing groups. This will be STRICTLY ENFORCED. Violators may be asked to leave the parade procession at any time and will be prohibited from entering next year’s parade. -All entrants must have identification signs on both sides and/or front of their entry with a MINIMUM of six inch letters. Television coverage cameras and program announcers must be able to easily read the name of the unit or sponsor. Handwritten signs will not be accepted. -If music is played on or from a parade entry, the music must be appropriate to the season and theme of the parade. Vulgar music/sounds that are questionable in content will not be permitted and you will be asked to leave parade immediately. -Semi-Trucks are allowed to be used to pull floats. Please make sure the trailer tandems are pushed up. -Enclosed cars will not be accepted as parade entries, with the exception of official vehicles that have received prior approval from the Parade Committee. Cars and pickup trucks may be used as floats if they are decorated with the parade theme. -Individuals will not be allowed to ride on the hoods of vehicles. No exceptions. -No entrant shall be dressed as Santa Claus. -Any pageant winner is welcome to participate in the parade by providing his/her own convertible or float and paying the required entry fee and signage that is professionally printed and fits within the sign guidelines. -A description of the entrant, in 25 words or less, must be turned in with the application. This information will be used by television announcers and parade emcees as you pass through Downtown. -Parade Marshals have the authority to seek the removal of any person or units from the parade, when parade guidelines are violated. In the interest of safety: - Trailers with exposed wheels will not be allowed to participate in the parade. Wheels must have a fender or cover. - Parade participants are required to have their hands and legs inside of the vehicle or trailer at all times. Body parts must not hang from trailer. - No candy or items of any kind may be thrown from the parade floats or cars. Entrants wishing to distribute items/candy must have individuals walking beside the parade entry. - Burnouts or stunt driving maneuvers will not be tolerated. Violators will be promptly removed from the parade by officials.