Parade Participant

This event is completely FREE! The parade does take place outside so please be sure to dress for the weather. parade route is approximately 30 minutes. Looking forward to having you join us!

THE BENEFITS

⮚     Great opportunity to show community support and gain exposure with target demographic

⮚     Reach this new and rapidly growing market 

⮚     Parade participant recognition before, during, and/or after the event 

⮚     Recognition on social media avenues, MHOA, and ‘What’s up Mahogany’ (12,000+ emails)

PARADE DETAILS

⮚     FREE! float entry

⮚     All floats/entries must incorporate lights (as many as possible!)

⮚     No throwing of products or candy to the crowd; can be handed to spectators directly (to avoid safety hazard of people getting run over)

⮚     Only ONE Santa in the parade (provided by the MHOA)

⮚     Only ONE Grinch in the parade (first come)

⮚     Prizes for best business, group, and community street floats

⮚     Prize for People’s Choice float

⮚     Application deadline November 30, 2026 - 9am

⮚     Parade float line-up confirmation by December 3, 2026

⮚     Mandatory safety meeting one week before the parade (only 1 member from each submission MUST attend)

Since this is an outdoor event, and it may be a chilly one, please remember to dress in layers so you are ready for the weather. The approximate time is from 4:30-6:00pm. Here’s a helpful link for reference if you are uncertain: https://commonsensehome.com/best-cold-weather-clothing/

Parade Participant Regulations: 
1.         Each float rider must have appropriate body support, seatbelts, sitting or railings. In the case of seatbelts, the belts must be worn on the outside of the costume at all times while in the vehicle. The use of railings must be approved by the ERP Chief prior to the Parade.  If using a railing it must be made of a solid construction. 

2.         Float riders and walkers are not permitted to throw anything from the floats.  If floats wish to hand out souvenirs this is permitted; however, please nothing that will leave litter behind. Items must be handed to each spectator to avoid the risk of spectators running out onto the parade route and potentially be hit by a float or parade participant.  No hand outs should be given to any spectator not following the spectator regulations (i.e., in the median).

3.         Float participants are not permitted to have float riders on the vehicle roofs or on any roof racks.  

4.         Float drivers must prepare their floats with the knowledge that they must have a clear 180 degree field of vision

5.         Float drivers and other participants on the float and in the Parade must have a RAPID means of escape in case of emergency.

6.         All decorative material must be fire safe and no flammable materials may be carried on the float.

7.         All motorized floats must have a working and fully serviced ABC fire extinguisher.  All fire extinguishers must be readily accessible to the driver.

8.         No smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, or use of prohibited drugs will be allowed on any float.

9.         Floats must be capable of clearing all obstacles.

10.     All decorations must be securely fastened and be approved by the ERP Chief delegate prior to the Parade.

11.     Speeds must be kept at no more than 10 km per hour.

12.     Cell phones are not permitted to be in use while the floats are in motion.  This regulation is for float riders as well as all vehicle operators. 

13.     All floats are required to have a phone with them (although following regulation 12) and the contact list at all times. 

14.     Floats require a minimum of one flashlight per every 3 people.