2023 Marion Christmas Parade Application
Entry form and payment for registration MUST be turned in by November 20th by 5:00 p.m. Entry forms will not be processed unless accompanied by the appropriate fees.
Lineup begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. Please enter the Parade Area from the west end of Marion (Exit 44 off I-81, then US11/Main Street). There will be volunteer guides posted to direct you to your area. Parade route is from Marion Fire Hall to Food City.
PARADE STARTS PROMPTLY AT 7:00 P.M.
All entries MUST be decorated and have signage representing who they are.
All drivers in the parade must be at least 16 years old, insured, and eligible to have a VA drivers license.
PLEASE REMEMBER - No tossing of candy / promotional items, etc. - Due to safety concerns, we do not want anyone getting hurt. You may distribute candy / promotional items, etc. by hand, person-to-person only. Absolutely no tossing items from floats or vehicles, etc.
No extra Santa Clauses Allowed. There is one Santa Claus - he will be riding on the final float to end the parade.
Public restrooms will be available at the Farmers Market in the Town Parking Lot.
The streets along the parade route and some adjacent side streets will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 5:00 p.m. The roads will remain closed until Town Public Works finish cleaning the route and open the streets.
The parade route ends at the intersection of North Main Street and Dabney Drive. Please make a right onto Dabney Drive and disembark at Food City. A police officer will be on hand to direct traffic away from the parade route.
PARKING + PARADE LINE-UP
Do not drop off participants at the Farm Bureau parking lot. If you are meeting as a group, you MUST meet at alternate sites, then line up on College and Funk Streets. (Alternate Drop-off locations: Post Office, First United Methodist Church, Bank of Marion Parking Lot)
Carpooling is a must! We simply do not have space to park everyone. Please be strategic. There will be NO parking along the parade route and on some adjacent side streets beginning at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the parade.
Lineup will be set at the event by Parade Officials and is subject to change. There are no assigned spots. General Line-up:
- Buses and Marching Bands - Line up along West Main Street near Blue Ridge Job Corps Center.
- Horses - Assemble in A&B Printing parking lot.
- Car Dealers and Vehicle Clubs - Assemble on the Farm Bureau parking lot.
All Other Entries - Line up along Funk and College Streets, as directed.
In the event of inclement weather, the parade will continue as scheduled unless the Town and Emergency Management deem the weather to be extreme. There will be no postponement or rescheduling of the parade. Your entry fee is non-refundable. It is strongly recommended that you register for NIXLE so that you receive weather-related alerts and updates regarding the parade. To sign up, simply text your 24354 to 888777 to receive mobile alerts. Thank you for participating!