Parade Application

The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association is pleased to announce the 34th Annual Lighting Ceremony Parade, presented by Spokane Teachers Credit Union, on November 27, 2026. Watch the parade entries light up Sherman Avenue and bring the Holiday Spirit to Downtown CDA with this year's parade theme: "Santa's Workshop," with marching bands, dancing, music, and festive floats!

DATE & TIME
Friday, November 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm

PARADE THEME

Santa's Workshop - With elves hard at work, reindeer readying for flight, and holiday magic around every corner, Santa’s Workshop is bustling with cheer! Step into the magical world of the North Pole and transform your parade entry into a festive workshop where Christmas comes to life. Picture Santa’s elves building toys, wrapping presents, checking their lists, and working together to get everything ready for Christmas Eve! Think giant toy boxes, toy trains, rocking horses, conveyor belts, wrapping stations, and mountains of brightly wrapped gifts. Bring your workshop to life with creative floats, costumes, music, and plenty of dazzling lights. Use festive colors, sparkling decorations, ribbons, bows, oversized toys, and plenty of Santa’s hardworking elves to create a magical holiday scene straight from the North Pole!

PARADE ROUTE
The parade begins at the intersection of Sherman Avenue and 8th Street and continues west along Sherman Avenue, ending at Government Way. 

CONTACT
Olivia Tauvinkl

208-415-0116

olivia@cdadowntown.com

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Sunday, November 15, 2026

ACCEPTANCE & NOTIFICATION

• You will be notified of your unit's acceptance into the parade no later than Monday, November 16, 2026.
• The main contact listed on the application is responsible for ensuring that all members of their unit receive and follow parade information and instructions.  
• Themed floats, decorated vehicles, costumes, and other creative entries are highly encouraged.
• At least 50% of each float must be covered in lights. 
• If your entry is not accepted, payment will be refunded in full. No refunds will be issued for cancellations.

REGISTRATION FEES

• Marine, Police, Fire, etc.: FREE 
  Includes organizations directly related to and acknowledged by the U.S. Pentagon  (military, government and public safety organizations, etc.)
• Non-Commercial Units: $70 
  Includes nonprofits, community groups, churches, public service organizations, Scouts, local theater groups, and other community based organizations.
• Commercial Units: $100
  Applies to businesses, corporations, and entries promoting a business, product, service, or other commercial enterprise. Examples include coffee stands, towing companies, and other local businesses.

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

PARADE RULES:

The lighting ceremony parade is a fun-filled event enjoyed by thousands of spectators each year. Our goal is to create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved, including parade participants, volunteers and spectators. 

Please review the following rules before submitting your parade entry and ensure that all members of your entry, including drivers, walkers, parents, and chaperones are familiar with them. Thank you for your cooperation and compliance. 

ENTRY LENGTH & ADDITIONAL SPACE:

Nonprofit/non-commercial and commercial entries are allocated up to 75 feet in length per application, equivalent to approximately five standard vehicles or one semi-truck length. 

Additional space may be requested for vehicles or floats affiliated with the same organization. Additional space is $20 per 15 feet (or standard vehicle). Please note that additional space is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. If your request is not approved, the additional fee will be fully refunded. 

2026 THEME REQUIREMENTS: 

• All floats/vehicles must portray the official parade theme, "SANTA’S WORKSHOP", and must include lighted decorations.
• Music - live or electronic - is encouraged.
• Entries not meeting decor requirements will not be permitted 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’s name at the front or along the side of the entry.
• ONLY ONE OFFICIAL SANTA IS PERMITTED IN THE PARADE. The official Santa, provided by the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, will be the final entry and will lead the crowd to the caroling at the Resort Lawn. Any additional Santas will be asked to leave the parade.
• Vehicles pulling floats must be decorated with lights and décor covering at least 50% of the vehicle.
• Awards will be given for Best Use of Lights and Best Use of Theme.

ALL ENTRIES PLEASE AVOID: 

• Plain or undecorated vehicles, trucks or trailers.
• Walking groups without themed costumes, props or decorations.
• Advertising, flyers, handouts.
• Stopping during the parade procession.

MOTORIZED VEHICLES:  

• Burnouts and unnecessary stopping during the parade procession are prohibited.  
• All drivers must possess a valid driver's license.
• Riding on top of or outside vehicles without appropriate safety belts or safety rails is prohibited; no person shall be wired or tied on.
• If safety belts are not available, trailers carrying participants must have safety rails at least 42 inches high. 
   

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.
• Maintain a consistent pace throughout the parade.

ANIMAL GROUPS:

• Groups with live animals (domestic or livestock), must have a designated clean-up crew
• Cleanup crews are responsible for cleaning and staging area and following behind the entry during the parade to ensure streets remain clean.
• This is a “No Trace” parade. Animal groups are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
• Each horse must have a handler at the head. 

ALL ENTRIES:  

• Entries must present a positive and family-friendly theme that respects diversity and is non-controversial.
• Political campaigning or advocacy for a political candidate, proposition, or position is not permitted.
• Solicitation is not allowed before or during the parade.
• Participants must remain in the assigned positions until the official conclusion of the parade.
• Smoking is not permitted on or near parade entries.
• Alcohol or other intoxicants are prohibited for all parade participants.
• Open flames and fire are prohibited on any parade entry.
• Firearms, fireworks, and similar noise-making devices may not be discharged.
• Parade entries are accepted or denied at the discretion of the parade committee based on the information provided in the application.
• No changes may be made to an entry after acceptance without prior approval from the parade committee.
• All entries must sign a form acknowledging that these rules have been reviewed and understood.
• Failure to comply with parade rules or instructions from parade officials may result in immediate removal from the parade lineup and/or loss of eligibility for future parades.
   

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 event 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.