Parade Policies

Participant Information
Read Full Policies Here

We’re looking for creators, dreamers, and holiday enthusiasts to make this year’s GM Financial Parade of Lights our most dazzling yet. If you have a creative vision, we want you in the lineup.

What Makes a Winning Entry?

  • Thousands of Lights: Go big, bright, and bold (minimum lighting requirements apply!).
  • Epic Sounds & Effects: Think festive music, high-energy audio, and theatrical flair.
  • Pure Creativity: Original concepts get top priority for acceptance.
To ensure a safe and seamless night for everyone, all participants must review and agree to our Parade Policies. These guidelines cover safety standards, costuming, and signage.

Applications are open! 

Submitting an application does not guarantee inclusion in the parade.  We have hundreds of applications and typically only accept 100 units – no more – including our sponsors.  You can guarantee placement in the parade, along with airtime and commercials in the broadcast, by becoming a sponsor.

  • Click here for a full and complete PDF document containing all of our Parade Policies.
  • All applicants must fill out and sign an Indemnification Form prior to final listing in the parade line-up.
  • Check out our Fire Marshal Regulations here.

Here are some highlights of our Policies that may help you organize your unit for the upcoming parade:

Each entry MUST BE ILLUMINATED (light strands, flashlights, spotlights, florescent materials, etc.) according to the following minimum requirements:

  • Floats (decorated unit on a trailer pulled by a tow vehicle/self propelled/ or flatbed) Length
    • 5 ft., 800 lights
    • 10 ft., 1,300 lights
    • 15 ft., 2,000 lights
    • 20 ft., 2,500 lights
    • 25 ft. and over, 4,000 lights (no longer than 50′)
  • Cars/Golf Carts/Tractors 1,500 lights (no more than six units per one entry form)
  • Carriages/Stagecoaches/Wagons 1,500 lights
  • Trucks (tow vehicles are not included and should not be illuminated) 2,500 lights
  • Horses/Livestock (includes pull horse for horse-drawn vehicles) 75 lights each

All individuals in walking units must be illuminated. You can do this with lights (minimum of 50 per individual) using battery pack. *

Walking units will be limited and are required to accompany a float and/or provide entertainment value such as performing a mobile routine, clowning, drill team, cheerleaders or handling a giant balloon or inflatable or use creative holiday costuming.

ALL parade participants including float and horse riders, walking units and car drivers must be in costume or holiday wear. Please indicate costuming on entry description.

* Exception to the lighting requirement will be uniformed marching units, drill teams and/or cheerleaders; however, lights are encouraged.