2026 Parade Application

The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association (DTA) is pleased to present in partnership with ICCU the 21st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Please plan your parade entry around the 2026 theme "Emerald City"! Use your creativity to dress up your group, decorate your vehicle or float, think all things green and help celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

DATE & TIME
Saturday, March 16, 2026 at 3 PM

PARADE THEME

"Emerald City"

PARADE ROUTE
The route begins at the intersection of Sherman Avenue and 8th Street. The parade continues down Sherman Avenue until it ends at Government Way.

CONTACT
Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association

208-352-2055

Info@cdadowntown.com

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The following must all be submitted by the application deadline to participate in the parade:
1. Completed Application
2. Registration Fee 
3. Insurance

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications to participate in the 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade will be accepted through March 8. Interested participants should complete the online registration. 

ACCEPTANCE & NOTIFICATION
- Entries will be considered for inclusion and notified via email within 3-5 business days of application submission and no later than March 10, depending on when you completed your application. Payment for entry must be submitted at the time of application to be considered. If entry is not accepted, payment will be refunded in full.

- The main contact listed on this application is responsible for ensuring that their entire unit is made aware of all parade information.
- We highly encourage themed floats, vehicle decor, etc.

REGISTRATION FEES

• Marine, Police, Fire, etc.: FREE
  (Entries include organizations directly related to and acknowledged by the U.S. Pentagon. This consists of any branch of the military, government, etc.)
• Non-Commercial Units (Nonprofits, Community Groups): $40
  (Entries include public service organizations, churches, and groups that support or promote certain hobbies, activities, and events such as Scouts, Local theatre groups, and all non-profit organizations.)
• Commercial Units (Businesses and Corporations): $50
  (This category applies to a vehicle(s) or floats promoting any business, product, or enterprise. Examples; include coffee stands and towing companies.)

VEHICLES:
Drivers of all vehicles in the parade and those entering the parade line-up area must have a valid driver’s license, have proper proof of insurance as required by state law, and be at least 18 years old. 

PARADE RULES: The St.Patrick's Day Parade is a fun-filled event for lots of spectators. We aim to create a safe and fun event for everyone who participates in the parade…entries and spectators alike. Please review the following Parade Rules before submitting your parade entry and communicate these rules to ALL members of your parade entry. Thank you for your understanding and compliance. 

2026 THEME REQUIREMENTS: 

• All floats/vehicles must portray the parade theme, "EMERALD CITY", decorate with emerald greens, gold highlights, shamrocks, and sparkling details that bring the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day to life. Think glowing greens, festive costumes, and lucky charm accents that make Downtown shine like the Emerald Isle. Entries not meeting decor requirements will not be allowed on the parade route. Festive attire is required for all parade participants including parents and chaperones.
• Each entry must be identified by a banner and/or sign, with the group name located in the front or along the sides of the entry.
• Vehicles pulling a float must be decorated.
• The Cyber Shamrock Award, sponsored by Ziply Fiber, will be awarded for Best Use of Theme.

ALL ENTRIES PLEASE AVOID: 

• Plain vehicles/trucks/trailers with no decoration
• Walkers with no theme, props, or dress
• Advertising, flyers, handouts
• Stopping during the parade procession.

MOTORIZED VEHICLES:  

• Burnouts and stopping during the parade procession are prohibited.  
• All drivers of floats or vehicles shall possess a valid driver's license.
• Riding on top of or outside of vehicles without safety belts or rails is prohibited; no person shall be wired or tied on. Rails must be at least 42" in height around trailers if there is no form of safety belt available. 

DRIVERS & WALKING GROUP LEADERS:  

• Do not allow a large gap to form between you and the entry ahead of you. Pace yourself approximately one vehicle's length apart. Your entry must stay in pace with the entire parade procession 

ANIMAL GROUPS

• All groups with live animals (domestic or livestock), must have a designated clean-up crew to sweep up any messes in the staging area as well as follow behind during the parade to keep the streets clean. This is a “No Trace” parade and it is your responsibility to clean up after your animals.  
• Each horse must have a handler at the head. 

ALL ENTRIES:  

• All entries should have a positive theme that respects diversity, is non-controversial, and does not advocate any political candidate, proposition, or position.
• No solicitation by anyone will be allowed before or during the parade.  
• All participants must take the position assigned to them and stay in that position until the official termination of the parade while maintaining a proper distance between entries.  
• No smoking is permitted on or near any parade entries.
• No intoxicant usage will be allowed by any parade participant.  
• No fire or an open flame on any entrant is prohibited.  
• No discharging of firearms, similar types of noise makers, or fireworks is allowed.  
• The parade committee accepts/denies entries in order of submission. Upon the information submitted on the application. No changes to any entry will be allowed once submitted and accepted without prior approval of the parade committee. 
• All entries are required to sign a form specifying that these rules have been reviewed and understood. Failure to comply with parade rules and regulations from parade officials will result in immediate removal from the line-up this year and/or forfeiting participation in future parades.
• Non-profit/Non-commercial and Commercial entries are allocated 75 feet in length (5 standard vehicles / roughly a semi-truck length) per application. Additional space may be requested for additional vehicles/floats affiliated with the same entity. Additional space will be charged $20 per 15 feet (or standard vehicle). This is considered a request - refunds will be issued in full if not approved.
•  

Indemnity Agreement: By signing the Official Hold Harmless Agreement, the applicant certifies that they have read, understand, and will comply with the Rules and Regulations of The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association as stated in the Lighting Ceremony Parade Application. They further certify that all members participating in the entry identified in the application have been advised of and are knowledgeable of the rules and regulations and have agreed to comply with them.  I assume all risk of bodily injury or property damage that I may incur participating in the Lighting Ceremony Parade, and I hereby, for myself, my child, my heirs, executors, and administrators do hereby forever waive and release all claims against and agree to hold harmless The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, any and all event sponsors, City of Coeur d’Alene, and their respective officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, assigns of any kind from any and all claims which may be made for any cause whatsoever arising as a result of or in connection with the participation of myself or the organization I represent in the herein mentioned event. I have read and understand the parade rules and regulations contained in the application. I understand that it is my responsibility to comply with the rules prescribed by The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association in this form. Failure to comply can cause denial of entry and/or expulsion from the parade on event day or jeopardize any future association with the parade.

Cancellation Policy: In the situation that a participant needs to cancel their attendance at the parade, the parade fee is nonrefundable. If the DTA must cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances, entry costs will be refunded in full. The DTA does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses incurred.