With the holiday season just around the corner, it is time to start preparing for the 34th Annual Turlock Downtown Christmas Parade event, sponsored by the Turlock Firefighters and the Turlock Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, December 7th, starting at 6:30pm. The theme of the parade this year is “California Christmas.”
The nighttime lighted holiday parade will illuminate Historic Main Street and draws an estimated 25,000 people all at one time, so get there early. Plan on buying hot chocolate/coffee, shopping stores & vendors before and after, and then of course, watching one of the best illuminated nighttime parades around.
There will also be carriage rides and pictures with Santa being offered downtown.
To enter in the parade, you must submit an application to the City of Turlock Recreation Division before 5pm, on Wednesday November 7th, at their office located at 144 S. Broadway.
Entry fees are $50.00 for non-profits, $60.00 for general entries, and $70.00 for Commercial. Entries over 60 feet total will be required to pay for two entries, as well as entries exceeding 8 motorized vehicles. No entry over 50 feet (combined truck/trailer length) will be allowed due to tight turns. The first 75 completed applications will be accepted.
Judging categories include Majorette Solo/Group, Themed Entry (California Christmas), Equestrian, Youth Group, Commercial Entry, Antique Vehicle and Unique Entry. Judges will also give a special award for “Best Overall Use of Lights”.
Entries must have lights. Requirements based on the type of entry are as follows:
Floats – 3,000 minimum
Big Rig (Truck/Trailer over 25 feet) – 3,000 minimum
Small Rig (Truck/Trailer, less 25 feet) – 1,500 minimum
Antique Vehicles (Over 20 years old) – Truck/Fire Truck 1,500 minimum, Car 300 minimum
Equestrian – 75 minimum
Equestrian with Carriage – 600 minimum
Bands – each member must be illuminated, 20 per person.
Vehicles – 300 minimum
To receive the application, and view the full Specifications/Regulations, please stop by the City of Turlock Recreation Division, located at 144 S. Broadway in Turlock.
There will also be a mandatory meeting on Monday, December 3rd, at 6pm at the War Memorial. All entries must have 1 representative in attendance.
Download parade entry application forms from the City of Turlock website or for more information, call the Recreation Division at 668-5594.
Related Article:
Turlock Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Event, Festival of Lights
