Parade Float Application

Welcome to Innisfil’s Santa Claus Parade, organized by Innisfil Community Events. Our goal is to bring our local business community together to spread holiday cheer across the Town of Innisfil and beyond! We appreciate the time and effort involved to bring the vision of your float to life. Please join us in following the requirements below to ensure a fun and safe parade for everyone involved.

THEME

The theme for 2026 is Candy Land. Our theme is set each year so that the parade has a connected look and feel. All registrations are asked to follow this theme.

FLOAT CONSTRUCTION

· Keep in mind that the parade will go rain or shine! So, all material should be waterproof and weather resistant.

· You are only limited by your imagination.

· Please design with safety in mind.

DON’T FORGET THE MUSIC

Music gets everyone moving! We suggest upbeat, holiday music that everyone will enjoy. Harsh or foul language will not be tolerated.

Remember that there is an all-inclusive and barrier free SENSORY/QUIET ZONE in place from Innisfil Park exit to the Fire Station on Innisfil Beach Road, so everyone can be a part of the Christmas Parade. EVERYONE PLEASE refrain from playing loud music, sounding any sirens, bells, noisemakers, or megaphones until you reach the Fire Hall. At that time resume normal activity.

DRIVERS LICENSE AND INSURANCE

All drivers MUST carry a valid drivers license and insurance certificate. Innisfil Community Events and The Corporation of the Town of Innisfil are not liable for any public damage or liability of any kind.

FLOAT PARTICIPANTS

· Registrants are responsible to inform their participants of the rules and safety requirements.

· We encourage costumes, however, there is only ONE Santa, and he will be on the last float.

· This is a family friendly event, there is no alcohol tolerated.

· Be ready to smile, wave, dance and sing! Enthusiasm is a must.

· Float riders should be seated in the middle of the float with no legs hanging over the edge of the float.

· Float participants may not exit the floats at any time during the parade.

· Encourage all of your groups and participants, especially the Dance groups, to CARPOOL!!!

· Remind parent/guardians what parking lot/group that their child is with.

· Positions within the parade cannot be guaranteed unless specifically offered as a sponsor.

· There is a DROP OFF PARKING LOT, Parking Lot A, just inside the park gate, on the left. PLEASE drop off your passengers and leave. We cannot stress enough the importance of informing parents/guardians of which parking lot your float will be in.

· If you are parking and participating, proceed to Parking Lot B. Parking will be FREE until 5 PM that day.

· All floats, trucks, trailers, etc. MUST be in the park in their respective parking lots by 12 noon.

· Your float may be assigned a registration number upon checking in at your designated area. Should we have filming coverage for Social Media, this will identify your float. This number must be clearly visible on the windshield of your vehicle on the passenger side.

· All floats should have a minimum of four walkers (spotters), two on each side of your float. We recommend that your spotters wear high visibility vests.

· Portable washrooms will be available at Innisfil Beach Park.

· For safety reasons, nothing may be thrown from the floats or vehicles. Only walkers may hand out candy or items to the spectators. Loose candy on the road is inviting to children to run in front of floats.

· All parade floats and bands will begin to line up at 12:30 pm under the direction of the Parade Marshall. Late arrivals will be accommodated at the discretion of the event organizers.

· Parades take a long time, we highly recommend that your participants wear warm clothes, bring food and beverages for the children.

· Free parking will be provided from 10 am to 5 pm at Innisfil Beach Park, please arrange transportation to your vehicles.

· Those not adhering to the rules may find themselves being turned away and not admitted to the parade. Refunds will not be provided.

· THERE IS ONLY ONE SANTA CLAUS AND HE COMES AT THE END OF THE PARADE, HOSTED BY INNISFIL COMMUNITY EVENTS.

SIGNAGE

The name of the sponsor and contribution to the theme should be added to every float. This sign can be in the form of a banner or a printed sign placed on the front and/or sides of the float.

THE PARADE

· Parade begins at 1:30 pm. It will proceed west on Innisfil Beach Road to Jans Blvd. You can disburse from there. The parade will not proceed south on Jans Blvd.

· At the end of the parade, please do not stop or block the road. Do not block the entrance to Sobeys. The parade needs to continue to move behind you.

· Pre-arrange your dismantle location and participant drop off area outside of the parade route.

· Maintain a speed limit of 5 KM/HOUR for the duration of the parade. While we appreciate that gaps may form in the parade, the safety of our participants on the floats and those in the crowds is paramount.

Everyone is very excited and may be distracted. Please drive cautiously!

WATCH FOR CHILDREN AND PEDESTRIANS!

BEST FLOAT PRIZE

Best themed decorated Business float will win $100.00, which will be donated to the charity of your choice in your honour. 

Best themed decorated Non Profit float will win $100.00, which will be donated to the charity of your choice in your honour.

REGISTRATION FEE

Business entry fee – $100.00. If registered by September 30th – $75.00

Non-profit organizations – Donations welcome.

As a community dedicated to serving our members, we have held off on any fee increases for as long as possible. However, due to continually rising costs, we now have no choice but to implement an increase in parade fees this year. We appreciate you’re understanding and continued support.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

All completed entries must be received, both application form and fees (if applicable) by Midnight on Wednesday, November 18th. Late applications will be accommodated at the discretion of the event organizers.

Thank you for participating in the 2026 Innisfil Santa Claus Parade!

Let’s give Innisfil’s kids a parade to remember!!