Welcome to the Official Bakersfield Christmas Parade Website!
Parade Coordinator
Nothing lights up a dark winter night like the sights and sounds of a festive Christmas Parade. Folks of all ages will brave a cool winter breeze to gather along the streets of downtown Bakersfield in anticipation of the arrival of brightly decorated floats with their colorful characters and Jolly Old St. Nick in his bright shining sleigh. Join us Thursday, December 6th, for the 30th annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade as we watch the magic begin and ordinary streets turn into something very special. “An American Christmas” is the theme for this year’s event and some 90 entries will adorn the streets of downtown Bakersfield with Christmas themed floats, light displays, marching bands, drill teams, horse drawn carriages, community groups, classic vehicles, and live performances by local youths. What used to be just a GREAT PARADE has now become a destination for excitement and an afternoon and evening of fun for all!
Come and join more than 20,000 of our ‘closest friends’ expected to celebrate at this year’s parade and share in the “Spirit of Christmas”. This unique free community event inspires delight and wonder for the young and young at heart and there is something for absolutely everyone! Be there to explore one of our newly formed “Christmas Square” Marketplaces where you can enjoy delicious food from local Food Vendors, check out the fun merchandise from our Merchant Vendors, visit a Santa’s Mailbox, and experience newly added attractions called Children’s Activity Centers. These child friendly areas provided by local sponsors will host fun activities for children of all ages.
The Bakersfield Christmas Parade will begin at 6:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012. The parade will be BROADCAST LIVE by local television stations KERO ABC 23 and 42 Azteca America.
Would you like to be in the 2012 parade representing your organization or business? It’s easy! Just download the 2012 Parade Entry Application, type in your information, print, sign and date, and mail (with the proper insurance papers and the appropriate entry fee) to the address on the form. Applications may also be delivered in person at the parade office located at KERO ABC23, 321 21st Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301. (But, please call for an appointment.) The entry fees are $50.00 for a Standard Entry and $150.00 for a Commercial (business) Entry. The entry fee will be waived for Bakersfield and Kern County area school band/drill team entries and parade committee invited dignitaries. Applications will be accepted beginning Tuesday, September 4, 2012. Entry deadline will be Thursday, November 1, 2011 by 4:30 p.m. Because of live filming time constraints the parade is limited to 90 units this year so not all applications are guaranteed a place in the parade. The selection of the 90 units is at the sole discretion of the Bakersfield Christmas Parade Committee! Please, read the current Rules and Regulations for your selected parade entry along with the 2012 Parade Entry Application before submitting.
Become a parade Sponsor today! Share in the joy by keeping our hometown Christmas parade alive and well for our future generations. Christmas Parade Sponsorships on any level are welcomed! To learn more about our 501(c)(3) tax deductible sponsorships visit the 2012 Sponsorship section of our website. If you desire to donate, then donations have just been made easier by the addition of PayPal! It’s easy just click on the “Support the Parade” donation button then follow all the prompts!
Planning is underway for the Bakersfield Christmas Parade Committee’s first parade Fundraiser Event titled, “A Toast to International Holiday Cuisine” Cook-Off, featuring the culinary students from this year’s Bakersfield College Culinary Arts Department under the direction of Department Head, Chef Patrick Coyle. This first time scheduled holiday foods cook-off Fundraiser Event will benefit the parade fund and will be hosted by our locally owned Urner’s Appliance Center on Saturday, October 27, 2012 starting at 6:00-11:00 PM! To learn more about how you can help support this exciting new tax deductible Fundraiser simply take time to review all Sponsorship Levels posted under, What’s New 2012.
If you have any questions about the parade, or entry application please contact Pamela Carlock, Parade Coordinator, via email at: Pam@bcparade.com
