Date and Time: The parade will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

Float Registration Deadline: Float registration must be completed by November 22, 2023.

Weather Decision: The parade will proceed as planned, weather permitting. A decision will be made at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the parade, and this information will be posted on the Town’s website at www.conceptionbaysouth.ca.

Inclement Weather Plan: In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be rescheduled for Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

Lineup for the parade will commence at the Villanova School/Villanova Parish parking lot at 9:00 a.m. It is the responsibility of all entries to manage their participants and locate their designated position in the lineup. Specific lineup instructions will be provided on-site.

To ensure a smooth process, all entries are required to check in with parade staff between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Entries arriving after 9:30 a.m. may not be granted access to the parade route. Please note that the lineup site is restricted to floats and parade participants only, and parking is not available at this location.

Festive Theme: Only decorated entries that prominently feature a festive theme and aim to spread the joy and magic of the holiday season will be accepted in the Santa Claus Parade, which is a community event for children and families, not intended for plain or minimally decorated vehicles or company advertising.

Decorations and Taste: Floats must be decorated in good taste, considering the presence of many children in the crowd. No signs of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or profanity are allowed. 

Santa Claus Exclusion: Please note that Santa Claus himself will appear at the end of the parade; therefore, he should not be included in any float.

Size Limits: Floats should not exceed 10 feet in width and 13.5 feet in height, with trailers not exceeding 52 feet in length.

Sound Amplification: Entries may use sound amplification for musical purposes but not for addressing the audience. No speeches or campaigning allowed.

Quiet Area: To ensure accessibility for all residents, a quiet area will be designated from Shoppers Drug Mart to the RNC Building. During this segment, sirens should not sound, lights should not flash, and music volume should be lowered. Emergency vehicles responding to official emergencies are exempt from this restriction.

Safety Equipment: Participants on bikes, motorcycles, scooters, etc., must wear helmets and stay in their designated parade section without weaving throughout. 

Animal Entries: Entries involving animals must be prepared to clean up after their animals.

Participant Shuttle: The Town will offer a free shuttle bus for participants of the parade. Participants must be dropped off and picked up at Holy Spirit High School. Non-parade vehicles can only access the Town Hall parking lot to pick up participants after all floats have departed, therefore the shuttle service is recommended for use. Parade participants and other pedestrians may board the shuttle at the end of the route and will transported back to Holy Spirit High School. 

• It is the responsibility of all participants to guarantee the safety and reliability of their float or entry, both in terms of design and operation.
• Float drivers must be vigilant in ensuring the safety of all individuals aboard or on their parade float.
• Float drivers shall be extremely vigilant of parade bystanders and observers along the side of the parade route, and shall stop the unit immediately if bystanders are impinging on the roadway and possibly posing a vehicle/pedestrian hazard.
• For the safety of all, it is prohibited to throw materials into the audience. This includes items like candy, flyers, literature, etc. If your group wishes to distribute such items, it must be done directly from person to person.
• The pace of the parade will be set by the lead car. The maximum speed of vehicles shall not exceed that of the walking pace for all persons or organizations participating in the parade. Groups are expected to maintain this speed throughout the parade.
• No one may get on or off a float once the parade has started.
• Copies of the float driver’s license and vehicle insurance must be submitted prior to the parade date. These documents will also need to be carried by the driver on the day of the parade.
• All vehicles must be in good mechanical condition and properly serviced prior to the parade. Special attention should be placed on checking the cooling and exhaust systems, brakes, steering and tires.
• Floats transporting passengers must be equipped with safety rails, and each float should have an adult accompanying children.
• It is strongly advised that all floats and groups include safety marshals as part of their entry. Marshals must wear a Class 2, Level 2 safety vest. For groups involved in distributing materials, walking, or performing along the route, marshals are REQUIRED. 
• Float drivers will follow the route as directed by parade staff.
• Float drivers shall be observant for emergency vehicles responding to emergencies, and shall stop their vehicles immediately until the emergency vehicle has has passed their individual float or group before proceeding. 
• Dress warmly and be prepared for various weather conditions. Please bring extra blankets and warm clothing, particularly for younger children.
• The Town reserves the right to refuse participation of any float or group that could present a health and safety risk to themselves or others.