The entry deadline has passed.
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2018 Winter Lights Parade. 

The 2018 Winterlights Parade is Friday, November 30 at 6:30 pm.   The parade committee will  accept 50 entries of all sorts; walking, bands, animals, and floats! Last year a boat won first place commercial!   Mayor Tammy will be joined on the holiday stage by radio morning hosts from 94.9 the River DJ's Ken Bass and Debbie Courson. 

Thanks again to Borton-Lakey Law and Policy - our parade presenting sponsor!  

Fees are $100 for commercial,  $50 for nonprofit (501 c3 organizations) and free to school groups. A link with payment details will be emailed after the application deadline has closed.  

Application deadline is Nov. 19, 2018

*The best car club category has been changed to Best Motorized Vehicle to include ATVS, Motorcycles and other self-propelled entries. 

Fill Out  & Submit Online Application
    Entry Information
    1.
    Music and sound applications are permitted, but Christmas music is the only type allowed.
    2.
    3.
    Judging Categories
    4.
    Please choose ONLY ONE judging category for your entry to be eligible for.  Some entries may fit into multiple categories, but you must choose only one. If no selection is made, you will not be judged.

    *Best Car Club Category has been updated to Best Motorized. 
    Information is provided to the parade emcees. Send additional information if desired.
    Please read this carefully before submitting. 
    In consideration of permission from the City of Meridian to participate in the Meridian Winter Lights Parade, and intending to be legally bound, I affirm that I have read and understand the attached rules and regulations, and I agree to comply with them at all times.  I acknowledge that my participation in the Parade carries risks, some of which are unknown, and with that knowledge I do assume all such risks.  I agree that I am solely responsible for any and all injuries or damage that I cause or incur.  On behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and personal representatives, I hereby forever indemnify, release and forever hold the City of Meridian harmless from any and all real or possible losses, claims, actions, judgments for damages, expenses, harm or injury to myself or other persons, and/or to property incurred in relation to my participation in the Parade not attributable to the tortious conduct of City, regardless of the manner by which such claim may be brought.  By participating I am affirming that I understand and consent to these terms and the Parade rules and regulations, and wish to participate in the Parade.


Step 3.  An email will be sent to selected applicants that include payment instructions after the entry deadline.   

Creating your parade entry:
  1. Every float entry must have a minimum of 500 lights, but we want to light up Main Street so the more lights the better!.
  2. For non-float entries, each car/motorcycle/bicycle/individual/animal in the group MUST be decorated and have some kind of lights.No exceptions!
  3. Parade entries cannot be wider than 10 feet to safely navigate around the downtown medians.
  4. For safety reasons, every float entry must have a minimum of 2 spotters, at least 1 walking on either side of the vehicle
  5. No Santa Claus of any kind may be used in any entry.  There will be just one Santa Claus at the end of the parade.  Santa hats are acceptable.
  6. Every float entry will be inspected on-site prior to the parade by the Meridian Fire Department.Inspection will include:
  • Every parade float is required to have a fire extinguisher that is easily accessible to the operator.
  • If generators are being used to power lights or other items, they must be GFI protected.
  • All exhaust pipes must be clear and nothing combustible may rest against the exhaust or catalytic converter.

 
Day of Parade

  1. Each entry will be assigned a number for lining up.Your number will be e-mailed no later than Monday, November 26. You will be put in order based and given space based on what your entry states.Multiple vehicles require multiple parade applications.If you only have one number – you are only allowed one entry.
  2. The parade line-up will take place in Storey Park and the Meridian Speedway.All entries MUST be in position by 6:00 pm.
  3. To keep children from running into the road nothing may be thrown from any parade entry!  This includes; candy, novelties, toys, advertising material, etc. Accompanying walkers may distribute (not throw) items along the sides of the parade route.This rule will be strictly enforced.Be sure to tell ALL your parade participants this rule
  4. During the parade, each entry should maintain a safe distance of about 30-40 feet between them and the unit in front of them.Please keep up with the unit in front of you to avoid gaps!
  5. Parade entries letting participants off their floats at the end of the parade must merge out of the street/ parade route to avoid backing up the rest of the parade.
  6. All animals in the parade must be under control at all times.Horse riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets.Every animal group is required to have a clean-up crew.Units without a clean-up crew will not be allowed to participate.
  7. Noise level may not exceed 95 decibels including any sirens or air horns.Only holiday themed music is permitted.
  8. Parade entries must be appropriate for all ages, values, and sensibilities, and may not include language, attire, and/or behavior that is profane, sexual, violent, or discriminatory.