Parade Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Parade Route: Santa Fe Avenue from Elm Street to Prescott Avenue

Thank you for helping make the Salina Downtown Parade of Lights one of our community's favorite holiday traditions. These rules are in place for one reason: the safety of everyone participating and attending the parade. We want families to create wonderful holiday memories—not experience the tragedy of a child or adult being injured by a moving parade float or vehicle. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep this event festive, fun, and safe for all.

General Parade Rules

• Every parade entry must provide four (4) float escorts—one person walking at each corner of the float—to help keep spectators a safe distance from moving vehicles.
• All candy must be handed directly to spectators by parade walkers only. Candy may not be thrown from a float or vehicle. Walkers should get as close to the curb as safely possible to discourage children from entering the street.
• There is no stopping to perform during the parade. All entries must continue moving throughout the route.
• Salina Downtown contracts with the REAL Santa Claus, so we respectfully ask that Santa Claus not be included as part of your parade entry.
• There is no parade theme this year—be as creative as you'd like!

📌 Application Check: To confirm you've carefully read these rules, please remember the code word TWINKLE. You'll be asked to enter it later in this application. There is a second word somewhere else. 

Float Electrical & Generator Requirements

For safety and insurance purposes, all lighted entries must meet the following minimum standards:

1. Electrical wiring must be approved for its intended use, have sufficient capacity, be secured to prevent damage (no staples), have all connections made in approved devices or electrical boxes, and be properly fused. No open splices or frayed wiring are permitted.
2. Entrants are encouraged to consult a qualified (licensed) electrician regarding any questions about their electrical systems before the parade.
3. Portable generators must be securely mounted with at least 12 inches of clearance from combustible materials. Exhaust must pass through substantial, firmly anchored exhaust lines meeting vehicle exhaust clearance standards.
4. Generators must remain uncovered during operation.
5. Generators may not be placed inside enclosed vehicles or enclosed spaces. (Example: A hatchback vehicle with the hatch open is not an approved location for a gas-powered generator.)
6. Open flames are prohibited on all floats and towing vehicles.

Failure to meet these minimum safety requirements will result in your entry being removed from participation in the parade.

By submitting an application, your organization agrees to comply with all electrical and generator requirements and acknowledges that Salina Downtown, Inc. is not responsible for liability related to damages or injuries associated with your parade entry.

These rules are not optional. Failure to comply with parade rules may result in disqualification from participating in the 2027 Salina Downtown Parade of Lights. Our goal is not to penalize participants, but to ensure every person along the parade route can safely enjoy this holiday tradition.

Registration Deadline

Applications are due Monday, November 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon) OR when 120 entries have been received, whichever comes first.

Late applications will not be accepted.

All accepted participants will receive their parade lineup information by email no later than Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

📌 Application Check: Your second word is LIGHTS. You'll be asked to enter it later in this application. 

If you do not receive your lineup email:

• Check your spam or junk folder.
• If it is still missing, call the Salina Downtown office at 785-825-0535.
• If you have previously unsubscribed from Salina Downtown emails or newsletters, you will not receive the lineup email. Please resubscribe before submitting your application.