Parade Policies

Participant Information

The Chesapeake Energy Parade of Lights presented by CHASE is dedicated to preserving a top quality community parade with thousands of lights and entertainment value, and is broadcast live to thousands more watching from home. To this end, the Parade Policies reflect regulations including minimum lighting requirements, entry information, costuming, signage and judging, so please read the entire document prior to submitting an application or participating in the parade.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum lighting requirements will be removed from the parade line-up prior to the start of the parade without recourse or refund.

If you are considering entering a float, walking unit, equestrian unit or motorized unit for the 2011 parade, please read the above document carefully as we will have expected you to be fully aware of and in agreement with these policies prior to submitting your application.  The deadline for applications is Friday, October 7.  Decisions will be made and participation notices will go out by email on Friday, October 14.

Submitting an application does not guarantee inclusion in the parade.  We have hundreds of applications and can 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. 
    Click here for the Indemnification Form.
  • 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

boat.jpgAll individuals in walking units must be illuminated. You can do this with lights (minimum of 50 per individual) using battery pack or florescent materials such as mylar.

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, cheerleading 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 will be uniformed marching units, drill teams and/or cheerleaders; however, lights are encouraged.