Christmas Parade

Event Details

• Parade Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025

• Parade Start Time: 5:00 p.m.

• Staging Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Location: Downtown McFarland

• Rain or Shine: The parade will continue in all weather conditions.

How to Participate

Community groups, schools, businesses, churches, clubs, and families are invited to participate.

To enter the parade:

1. Complete the Parade Entry Application

   • Fill out Sections 1 through 4 of the application.

   • Type or print clearly and attach extra pages if needed.

   • Download Application Here:  Christmas Parade Application

2. Provide Proof of Insurance

   • All entries must provide general liability insurance with at least $1,000,000 coverage.

   • Applications without proof of insurance will be rejected.

3. Submit Your Application and Insurance

   • Applications accepted starting: Wednesday, November 5

   • Deadline to apply: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

   • Submit by mail, in person, or email:

     • Mail or drop off:
       City of McFarland
       Attn: Community Development
       401 W. Kern Avenue
       McFarland, CA 93250

     • Email: communitydevdept@cityofmcfarland.ca.gov

4. Attend the Mandatory Meeting

   • All accepted entries must send a representative to a mandatory meeting to pick up their parade packet and placement information.

   • Entries that do not send a representative may forfeit their spot in the parade.

Entry Categories

On your application, please mark all categories that apply to your entry:

• Float

• Marching Group

• Vehicle

• Walking Unit

• Band

• Other (please describe)

You will also be asked to provide:

• A short description of your entry for the parade announcer

• Approximate number of participants

• Number of vehicles

• Approximate length of your entry in feet

• Any special requirements such as animals, music, or special setup needs

Float Judging

All floats are automatically entered into judging.

• Judging begins at 4:00 p.m.

• Your float and a representative must be in the assigned spot by this time in order to be judged.

• Late floats will not be judged.

Parade Rules and Safety

To keep the parade safe and enjoyable for everyone, all participants must follow these rules:

          Check In and Staging

• Participants must check in at the designated staging area by 4:00 p.m.

• Late arrivals may lose their place in the parade.

          Safety

• All vehicles must be driven by licensed and insured drivers.

• No one may get on or off a moving float or vehicle.

• Children must be supervised at all times.

          Decorations and Theme

• Entries must be Christmas themed or reflect the Candy Cane Lane theme.

• Entries must be family friendly and appropriate for children.

• Use fire retardant materials when possible.

• Santa and Mrs. Claus are reserved for the official parade Santa provided by the parade committee. No other Santa or Mrs. Claus characters are allowed.

            Conduct

• No throwing candy or items from floats or vehicles. Candy may be handed out by walkers along the route.

• No political campaigning or offensive content is allowed.

• Music must be family friendly and kept at a reasonable volume.

            Liability

• Participants agree to hold harmless the City of McFarland and all parade sponsors for any accidents, injuries, or damages.

• By participating, you consent to the use of photographs and recordings of the parade for non commercial advertising and promotional purposes.

All participants must sign the Statement of Compliance on the application to confirm they have read and agree to the rules.

Contact Information

For questions about the parade or help with your application, please contact:

Community Development Department
Phone: (661) 458 1425
Email: communitydevdept@cityofmcfarland.ca.gov