Tifton's Hometown Holidays Celebration - 2024 Parade Application

Greetings Parade Participants,

Plans are underway for the City of Tifton's Hometown Holidays Celebration and we are excited to announce that this year's theme is Christmas Around the World! Think of tradition, culture, and travel as we capture the joy of the holiday season from all around the world!

The parade will be held on Saturday, December 7th from 5:00 p.m. until approximately 6:30 p.m. Following the parade, all participants and spectators are invited to come to Downtown Tifton to experience the lighting of our City Christmas Tree and enjoy vendors, rides, and lots of fun.
The last day to secure your spot in our parade is Friday, November 29th at 5pm. However, we encourage you to go ahead and purchase your tickets and save on Early Bird Prices from October 11th - 31st as prices will increase starting November 1st.
Parade Entry Fees - 100% of proceeds raised from ticket sales are used to support this community event

Early Bird Pricing (October 11th - October 31st):
Non-Profit (5O1c3) - $35.00
Regular Entries - $50.00
*additional entries/cost are provided at the ticket sales portion
November 1st - 29th:
Non-Profit (5O1c3) - $50.00
Regular Entries - $75.00
*additional entries/cost are provided at the ticket sales portion
Spaces are limited, so please sign up early. There will be no on-site registration.
All entry fees are subject to being refundable but that is up to the discretion of the Hometown Holidays Planning Committee.
THEME

This year's theme is Christmas Around the World. Decorate your float or unit with travel, culture, tradition, and items that showcase the holiday spirit from anywhere.

Please DO NOT use a real or fake Santa Claus in your decorations. The City of Tifton will provide a Santa Claus during the parade.

PARADE ROUTE

The parade route will begin lining up at the corner of 2nd Street and Magnolia Drive. The parade will travel east toward downtown, take a left on Love Ave./Main St. and travel north, ending at the corner of 8th Street and Love Avenue (in the vicinity of the Pineapple Post & CVS Ph*rm*cy).

Please know that you cannot enter to line up from Second Street.

IS THERE A FEE TO BE IN THE PARADE?

Yes, pricing depends on the entry/unit that you enter. Please proceed to the ticket sales portion for additional pricing and details.
If you are a school marching band (plays instruments on the middle or high school level), there is NO COST for you to be in our parade. This is open for any community to join.

PARADE CHECK-IN

Units may begin lining up at 3 pm until 4:45 pm on Magnolia Drive. Traffic must enter from Third Street onto Magnolia Drive (enter from behind Bojangles), where you will be directed to your position. Lineup for the parade is on a “first-come” basis. There will be absolutely no saving or reserving spots.

All parade entries must first stop at the Check-In Station at the end of 3rd Street for line-up and to be included in judging and media commentary. The Check-In Station opens at 3pm.

DO I PROVIDE A VEHICLE AND DRIVER TO PULL MY GROUP’S FLOAT?

Yes, you must provide your own vehicle and licensed driver.

MAY OUR GROUP GIVE OUT CANDY?

To ensure that the parade is coordinated with SAFETY as our top priority, please DO NOT THROW candy, pamphlets, or any items while driving or riding in the parade. If you have a person who will be walking along the parade route, they may hand out candy or information to parade attendees. This will be strictly enforced. Please protect the safety of our children and respect this regulation.

CAN MY ENTRY INCLUDE HORSES OR OTHER ANIMALS?

No. Due to the safety of our attendees and your animals, we do not recommend entering animal units unless discussed and approved by our event coordinator.

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be rescheduled and participants will be contacted individually.

CAN I PLAY MUSIC WHILE RIDING IN THE PARADE?

Yes, the music must be appropriate to the Christmas season and the theme of the parade. Inappropriate music/sounds that is/are questionable in the content will not be permitted and you will be asked to leave the parade immediately. This is a family-friendly event.

WILL THE PARADE BE TELEVISED?

Yes! Media will be present to film the parade and local channels will broadcast.

JUDGING

Floats will be judged on Overall Appearance (first impression and visual appeal), Special Effects (created by use of lights or luminous materials), Creativity/Workmanship (unusual use of material, special designs) and Use of Theme.

Participants MUST have a banner or sign for identification by media and judges.

To maintain the overall effect of the parade, all entries must be decorated in a holiday theme or the theme of the parade. Decorative lighting is highly encouraged.

OTHER INFORMATION

NO BURNOUTS or stunt maneuvers, no exception.

No entrant shall be dressed as Santa Claus.

Participants must include a banner or sign for identification by media and judges.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

Host or Publisher Tifton Main Street Program