Belle River BIA’s Merry and Bright Christmas Parade and Treelighting

On Friday, November 27th the Belle River BIA is hosting a Christmas Parade followed up by a tree lighting ceremony! We'd love to have your business take part.

If you've got a float, a vehicle, or even just a fun idea, we're inviting local businesses to sign up and join the lineup. It's a great chance to get your name in front of the community, spread some holiday cheer, and be part of one of Belle River's biggest nights of the year.

Spots are limited, so if you're interested please sign up today!

We can't wait to see what you bring to Main Street this year.

Please Read All Instructions Below Before Registering

Entry and Expectations

We invite local businesses, organizations, schools, sports teams, community groups, families and friends to be part of the celebration. A great parade entry does not have to be expensive. Creative decorations, costumes, music, characters, lights, signs, choreography and enthusiastic participation can turn a simple vehicle or walking group into something memorable.

All parade participants must register for the parade.

All parade entries are expected to:

• Be family-friendly and appropriate for spectators of all ages.
• Have a clear connection to the holiday season.
• Be reasonably decorated or presented for the parade.

The BIA strongly encourages participants to go beyond simply putting a logo on a vehicle.

Consider:

• A creative float or display.
• Christmas lights and decorations.
• Coordinated costumes or festive clothing for walkers.
• Music or a holiday soundtrack.
• Characters, mascots or costumed participants.
• Signs or banners identifying your organization.

NO ENTRY MAY DEPICT SANTA CLAUS AND/OR MRS. CLAUS OR SANTA’S FLOAT.

Safety

For safety reasons, nothing may be thrown from a vehicle or float into the crowd. This includes candy, promotional materials, or other objects. Distributed items must be handed directly to spectators by designated walkers.

All vehicles and floats must be safe, roadworthy and suitable for participation in a public parade.

Drivers

• Drivers must hold the appropriate valid driver's license for the vehicle they operate.
• Drivers must operate their vehicles at a very slow and controlled speed and remain alert to walkers, spectators and other parade entries at all times.
• Drivers should have clear visibility around their vehicle. Where visibility is limited, an appropriate adult spotter must assist the driver.
• Vehicles must maintain a safe distance from the entry ahead.

Float Construction

Floats must be securely constructed and capable of safely carrying their occupants.

For all floats, the following considerations apply:

• Decorations must be securely fastened.
• No loose materials should be capable of falling from the float.
• Passengers must remain safely within the designated passenger area.
• Anyone riding on a float must have a secure means of remaining on the float.
• Safety railings or other appropriate barriers are required where passengers could fall from the float.
• Children must be appropriately supervised.
• No person may ride on the hood, roof, fenders, exterior sides or other unsafe locations of a vehicle.
• Participants must not have their feet or legs hanging over the sides of a moving vehicle or float.
• Participants may not get on or off a moving float or vehicle.

Staging And Arrival

Specific staging times, locations and route instructions will be provided to registered participants before parade day and all entries must arrive at the designated staging area during the assigned arrival window.

Participants should:

• Follow the staging instructions provided before parade day.
• Remain in their assigned position.
• Keep access routes clear.
• Follow directions from staging volunteers.
• Ensure their entire entry is ready before the parade begins.

Vehicles should not unload participants in areas that have not been designated for participant drop-off.

Weather

The parade will generally proceed regardless of weather, subject to the direction of the Parade Committee and emergency authorities.

Participants should dress appropriately for the expected conditions. Particular attention may be given to high winds, ice, severe storms, extreme cold and other conditions that could affect the safety of floats, decorations or participants.

Inflatable decorations, tall structures and other wind-sensitive displays may be restricted or prohibited based on conditions.

Clean-Up & Environmental Responsibility

Participants are responsible for keeping the parade route clean.

• Do not leave decorations, packaging, food, garbage or other materials on the roadway.
• Promotional materials should be distributed responsibly.
• Animal waste must be cleaned up immediately.
• Any materials that become detached from an entry must be safely retrieved where possible.