🎄 2026 Hometown Holiday Parade – Float Registration

Celebrating Our Past, Lighting Up Our Future!

Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Stevens Point Downtown

Be part of the holiday magic as Stevens Point Downtown celebrates our nation's 250th anniversary with the 2026 Hometown Holiday Parade!

This year's theme, "Celebrating Our Past, Lighting Up Our Future," invites businesses, organizations, schools, families, and community groups to celebrate our rich history, hometown traditions, and bright future through creative, festive floats.

Join us as we light up the streets with holiday cheer, music, and community spirit, welcoming thousands of spectators to one of Stevens Point's most beloved holiday traditions!

Float Registration Fees

$50 – General Entry: Businesses, individuals, for-profit organizations, political groups, and other groups.
$25 – Community Entry: Nonprofit organizations and businesses located within the Stevens Point Downtown BID.
FREE – Special Entry: Government public safety departments, high school marching groups, and preapproved in-kind supporters.

Registration & Payment Information

Registration is limited to 70 floats and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early to secure your place!

Each registration permits one vehicle and one trailer maximum plus walkers. Additional vehicles or trailers require separate registrations.
Payment may be made online by credit card (preferred) or by mailing a check within 7 days payable to Stevens Point Downtown BID to:
Stevens Point Downtown BID
1105 Main Street, Suite A
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Registration is confirmed upon receipt of payment and acceptance by parade organizers.
All registration fees are nonrefundable once accepted.
Detailed parade instructions, including lineup and arrival information, will be emailed to registered participants during the week prior to the event.

Parade Participation Guidelines

To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and festive experience for everyone, participants must follow these guidelines:

1. Lineup & Check-In

Parade lineup begins after 4:00 PM on Main Street, entering from Centerpoint Drive.
All entries must check in with parade officials upon arrival.
Floats will be lined up in the order they arrive unless otherwise directed by parade officials.
Participants may finish decorating their floats while waiting in the lineup area.
The parade begins promptly at 6:00 PM.

2. Float Decorations & Entertainment

All floats must feature holiday lights and decorations reflecting the parade theme.
Music and entertainment must be family-friendly and appropriate for the holiday celebration.
No additional Santa Claus characters are permitted, as the official Santa will arrive on the final float.

3. Candy, Giveaways & Sales

Candy and promotional items must be handed directly to spectators by walkers accompanying the float.
Throwing candy or other items from floats or vehicles is strictly prohibited.
No alcoholic beverages may be distributed.
Selling food, beverages, merchandise, or other products during the parade is prohibited.

4. Animals

Animals must be properly leashed or securely controlled at all times.
Animals must be comfortable with large crowds, loud noises, music, and flashing lights.
Handlers are responsible for immediately cleaning up animal waste.

5. Participant & Vehicle Safety

Participants are strongly advised not to board or exit moving floats or walk between moving vehicles and trailers.
Children must be supervised by responsible adults throughout the parade.
All vehicles and trailers must be operated safely, with decorations securely attached and drivers maintaining clear visibility.
Open flames, fireworks, and other hazardous materials are prohibited.

6. Parade Route & Exit

The parade travels through Stevens Point Downtown and concludes at Mathias Mitchell Square.
After completing the parade, floats must promptly exit the parade route via Main Street or Second Street, as directed by parade officials.
Floats must maintain forward movement and may not stop for performances or activities that delay the parade.
Participants must follow all directions from parade organizers, volunteers, and public safety personnel.

7. General Participation & Cancellation

Parade organizers reserve the right to deny or remove entries that violate participation guidelines or create unsafe conditions.
Registration fees are nonrefundable once an entry is accepted.
The parade is planned to take place in typical November weather conditions. Organizers reserve the right to modify, postpone, or cancel the event due to severe weather or public safety concerns.

Participant Agreement

By registering your float, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the 2026 Hometown Holiday Parade Participation Guidelines. You understand that your registration is limited to one vehicle and one trailer, that fees are nonrefundable upon acceptance, and that all participants in your entry are expected to comply with parade rules and safety instructions.

Thank you for helping make the Hometown Holiday Parade a magical tradition for our entire community! 🎄✨

❤️ Love what we're doing to make Stevens Point Downtown a more vibrant place to shop, dine, work, and gather? Consider making an additional donation to support our mission and help our downtown community thrive!

Stevens Point Downtown is a nationally accredited Main Street America program dedicated to fostering a vibrant downtown through business support, community engagement, and revitalization. Established in 2023, the Downtown Business Improvement District (DBID) operates as a separate board under the City of Stevens Point. Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN): 39-6005617

Float Registration-2026 Holiday Parade

"Celebrating Our Past, Lighting Up Our Future!"