Bakersfield Christmas Parade
FAQ's
Do we have to build a float to enter?
What about passing out candy to kids along the parade route?
How is the Parade line-up determined?
What if it rains?
Why is the Mandatory Line-Up meeting such a big deal?
Who runs the Parade?
How do I build a float?
Do we have to build a float to enter?
Not really, however, the Christmas Parade is a float orientated parade. All trophy categories are based on float entries. There are also marching units, horseback units and motorized units. To make the parade as attractive as possible, marching units have to be dressed in a common uniform and motorized units have to be well decorated. If you just put your delivery van in the lineup, there’s a “commercial entry” fee.
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What about passing out candy to kids along the parade route?
Sorry, this is not allowed. We have to work real hard to keep sugar seeking children out of the street. Safety comes first!
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How is the Parade line-up determined?
All school bands and drill teams for the Christmas Parade are alternated each year. Our Band Coordinator and his committee make all selections, and also determine placement of all school bands and school drill teams in their parade route order. Once that has been completed the Christmas Parade Committee selects all floats and other units. The Bakersfield Christmas Parade Committee’s selection will be made final only after the parade deadline date. The Bakersfield Christmas Parade Committee reserves the right to comp in a quest(s). The floats are evenly spaced out as well as all other units. Noisy entries are kept away from horses. Santa always brings up the rear.
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Perish the thought! We roll in heat, mist, light winds, light rain, and clouds. This is a rain or shine event. If the parade is cancelled, it is not rescheduled.
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Why is the Mandatory Line-Up meeting such a big deal?
It’s the only way that the Parade committee can make sure that everyone knows what’s going on. Each entry needs send a representative to the meeting so that your group will receive information regarding your order in the parade and your staging area at the Mandatory Line-up meeting. We also give a safety talk and answer a zillion questions.
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A volunteer committee of about 13 peoples, along with a Band Coordinator and his committee, plus the Parade Coordinator. The police and city governments all support the idea of the Christmas Parade and provide help and assistance when called upon. Our local KERO Channel abc 23 and Channel 42 Azteca America will provide a “LIVE” broadcast to our community and surrounding local areas each year. A large group of volunteers are needed each year to provide assistants in different areas. Mainly… its run by the entrants who think Christmas is more than just a holiday….it’s a season!
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