We invite community organizations, local businesses, and entertainers to participate in the parade. The 2024 theme is Experience the magic in Kennett Square!

Please review the guidelines below and complete the application form by Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Registration

1. Parade participants must submit an Application Form by Thursday, November 7, 2024.
2. Application submission does NOT guarantee applicants participation. All entrants will be notified email if your entry is approved on a rolling basis, no later than Friday, November 15, 2024.
3. Parade entries should include lights of some kind because the parade is held after sunset. The 2024 theme is Experience the magic in Kennett Square.
4. Participants must provide their own floats, vehicles, trailers, lighting, power generators, decorations, etc.
5. Participants must make their own travel arrangements to the lineup area and following the conclusion of the parade in accordance with lineup instructions.
6. Line up locations and instructions will be emailed to participants no later than Friday, November 22, 2024.

Permitted Entries

1. We encourage individuals and groups from all backgrounds to participate in the parade. Selections for participation will be made without regard to the participant’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or economic status.
2. No political campaign activity will be permitted. Elected officials and other dignitaries may participate in the parade but will not be permitted to advertise or distribute campaign materials.
3. Parade entries may not promote the use of illegal substances or contain hateful, malicious, or vulgar language or imagery.
4. No Santa or Mrs. Claus costumes! There can only be one Santa Claus in the parade. We encourage you to dig deep when seeking alternatives so we don’t have ten Grinches! Thank you for helping us keep the magic in the parade.
5. Kennett Collaborative may, at its sole discretion, remove any parade participants and their property that are found to be in violation of these guidelines.

Participant Conduct

1. Participants are expected to show respect for each other, spectators, Kennett Collaborative staff, volunteers, public safety officers, and surrounding businesses. No vulgar or hateful language, discrimination, or harassment will be tolerated.
2. Participants are responsible for the safety of their own vehicles and their belongings or persons in vehicles. If there is an emergency, call 911. Any incidents that are not emergencies should be reported to Kennett Collaborative staff or volunteers as soon as possible.

Weather

1. If inclement weather is forecasted, a decision to proceed or cancel will be made by Kennett Collaborative and communicated to all participants as close as possible to the parade’s scheduled performance day.
2. Participants should prepare for the weather and bring water for personal hydration.

These guidelines are subject to change without notice at the discretion of Kennett Collaborative.

Supporting the Parade

There is no fee to participate in the Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade!

In addition to the parade, Kennett Collaborative pays for and installs the town tree, lights, holiday planters, and other decorations uptown. Our holiday programming is made possible by individual donations and sponsorships from local businesses. If the parade provides exposure for your business, please consider making a donation or sponsoring the parade!

Thank you to our holiday sponsors!