FAQ

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Parade Menu    FAQ's    Contact    Application/Forms    Floats    Line-Up    Route      _________________________________________________________________

Where can I get a parade application?
You can find an application online.

What time does it start?
Staging for parade floats and entries will begin at 4:30PM. The actual parade will begin at 6:30PM.

What is this year's parade route?
To Be Announced. See the 2009 route page for details, however, changes may occur.

What if it rains?
The parade is scheduled to run, rain or shine. Parade entrants should refer to the Parade's Application and Rules and Regulations for more details.

Why can't you just have a rain date?
Spartanburg, as well as Charlotte NC, Greenville SC, and many other local parades have a RAIN or SHINE policy. These policies are a result of the tremendous amount of organization and coordination required to make the parade happen. Expecting High School Bands (students, families, and school staff), parade entrants (employees, volunteers, and all those scheduled to ride on the various floats), vendors, service providers, and parade volunteers to schedule a rain date is very problematic as well as unlikely to succeed, especially considering all the committments people have during the Holiday Season.    

How much does it cost to have a float in the parade?
Rental floats begin at $625 for non-profit groups. Please see the parade application. If you are building and entering your own float, the entry fee is $100 for non-profit groups and $150 for commercial groups. 

I just want my group to walk, or I'd like to drive my own vehicle. How much would that cost?
If you would like to enter your own vehicle or walk in the parade, your entry fee will be $100 for non-profit groups and $150 for commercial entries.

Where is the best place to park?
You can park at the Kennedy, Dunbar, or Magnolia Street garages downtown. You can find a downtown map here.

My child is in the parade. Where should I drop him/her off?
The staging area for the parade is on E. Henry Street between Pine Street and Union Street. Staging of floats and entries begin at 4:30PM.  Specific entry locations are sent to your entry's contact person, you should coordinate with that person for specific drop off procedures.  Jaycees are on hand the day of the parade to assist entrants find their location in the staging area.  See the route page for more details.

Where do I pick my child up after the parade?
Check with your specific group. The parade ends at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. The de-staging area is behind the auditorium on Memorial Drive.

My child is a peagent, or similar contest, winner. Can she enter the parade for free?
No. There will be a $100 entry fee to enter personal vehicles or walk in the parade.

Do we have to rent a generator from you?
No, entrants getting self-lighted floats through the Jaycees can provide their own generator. If you are paying for the Jaycees to light your float, a generator is included in the cost.  This is a nighttime Christmas Parade. All entries must be lit accordingly. Refer to the Rules and Regulations for decorating details.