BE IN THE PARADE


WHAT IS THE APPLICATION  DEADLINE?

All participant forms/applications must be submitted by August 15th, 2023.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Utilize the electronic participation application. Click here for application.

WHEN I SUBMIT AN PARTICIPANT FORM, DOES THAT MEAN I AM IN THE PARADE?

The submission of an applicant’s participant form is not a guarantee of placement in the parade.

Once participant forms are received, reviewed and approved, letters/contracts of acceptance will be sent by the City of Marlborough to 2023 parade participants. Upon receipt of the parade contract, contracted participants must RETURN the completed contracts to the address noted on the contract by August 6th, 2023. Units that require payment must include their w9 forms in their application to ensure timely payment. Since the parade provides a great opportunity for businesses, it is requested that For-Profit participants make a donation of $250 or more.  Non-profit participants are encouraged to make a donation.

WHAT WILL MY PLACEMENT BE?

The parade committee takes great care in creating each year’s lineup.  The line of the march will follow standard parade protocol: Active military, elected officials, invited dignitaries, veteran’s organizations, followed by community entries.

HOW CAN I/WE PARTICIPATE?

FLOATS – Floats are welcomed in each parade. The committee asks that in planning the construction of a float that you and your team consider the following:  Each float must be:

  • No higher than 12 ft.
  • Motorized and street safe for towing vehicles and passengers
  • Non-musical
  • Fully decorated with non advertising decorations

Floats are judged on creativity and the care taken to create an eye catching float.  Bands or organizations that ride on trailers that do not comply to all of the above, are not considered floats and are therefore not eligible as an entry for judging.

MARCH UNITS/ENTERTAINMENT – including but not limited to Marching Bands, Riding Bands, Vehicles Playing Music, Reenactment units, March Units for float or vehicles, Motor Performance Vehicles, Vintage Vehicles, Motor Vehicles, Civic Groups, Equestrian, Dancers and Twirlers) – All of these forms of entertainment are welcome to submit their participation application . Entrants should work with the parade director in securing sponsorship. Participants can’t secure their own parade sponsors outside of the MLDP process.

CAMPAIGN/POLITICAL ENTRIES – Political entries are assigned into the line of march in a defined order based on the application/payment receipt date. Please review campaigning regulations and suggested donation levels at this link (click here).

CAN I DISTRIBUTE CANDY, MARKETING MATERIAL OR LITERATURE AT THE PARADE?

For the safety of our children and others, candy, coins, and similar items may not be thrown from floats or by anyone in the parade. Distributing literature, pamphlets, promotional products and similar material is prohibited.