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Lighted Santa Claus Parade Application

Requirements to Participate
Please review the rules, regulations, and important parade information before submitting your application.
  • Application Deadline Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
  • Insurance Submission Deadline: Monday, November 16, 2026
  • Waiver and Release Liability Form: Monday, November 16, 2026
  • Parade Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
  • Staging: 5:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.    
  • Start: 6:30 p.m.
Requirements to Participate
All entries must comply with the Port Colborne Lighted Santa Claus Parade rules and regulations outlined below.

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is required for all parade entries and must include:
  • A minimum of $2 million in liability coverage;
  • The Corporation of the City of Port Colborne, 66 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 3C8, as an additional insured; and
  • List the parade date and the event name “Port Colborne Lighted Santa Claus Parade.”
  • And clearly state that coverage applies to all participants of your group, be they driving, walking, sitting, etc.
  • Proof of Automobile Insurance is required for any entry that includes a vehicle.
  • All parade participants must complete the digital Waiver and Release of Liability Form prior to the parade.
Failure to provide the required insurance documentation or completed waiver will result in disqualification from the parade.Please submit all insurance documentation to eventservices@portcolborne.ca.

All parade officials’ and marshals’ instructions must be followed at all times. Officials reserve the right to remove any entry for safety concerns, interference with the parade’s progress, or failure to meet the requirements outlined above. Non-compliance may result in removal from the parade and affect eligibility to participate in future Port Colborne parades.
Float Requirements
  • Entries must not depict Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, or Santa’s sleigh.
  • Entries must not contain political, controversial, or offensive content, at the sole discretion of the Port Colborne Santa Claus Parade coordinating team.
  • No entry shall exceed 13 feet in height, must be built on a trailer that is less than is 53 feet inches length, and cannot be wider than 12 feet (1.5 lanes).
  • Nautical-themed entries are strongly encouraged. All entries must be entertaining and appropriate for a family audience.
  • Entries are responsible for ensuring their float and/or entry is safe and reliable in both design and operation.
  • Coupons redeemable at local businesses are permitted; however, distribution of literature, pamphlets, brochures, flyers, or other promotional materials is not permitted.
  • All entries must be illuminated and/or festively decorated, with participating vehicles presented in a clean and well-maintained manner.
  • Provisions for emergency towing must be available on all motorized entries.
  • SUV's, pick-up trucks and flatbed cabs are restricted to being a towing unit only and should be decorated to match the float/entry they are towing.
  • E-scooters and E-bikes are not permitted in the parade staging area, parade route, or de-staging area.
Safety Information
  • All floats will be subject to an inspection in the staging area, including proper lighting, a railing system and seating for float participants, etc.
  • All entries must complete the full parade route. Early exit is not permitted except in an emergency.
  • Do not throw any materials, including candy. Items may only be distributed by hand along the parade route. Peanut products are not permitted.
  • Each mascot must have at least one dedicated handler who remains with the mascot and entry throughout the parade.
  • All decorations, skirting, and other materials must be safely secured and kept clear of the ground and away from tires.
  • Dogs must be accompanied by their owner and leashed at all times.
  • Participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone deemed to be under the influence will be removed from the parade.
  • Smoking and vaping are not permitted while participating in the parade.
  • Participants must remain inside the float or trailer while it is moving. Sitting on edges or trailers with feet hanging over the sides is prohibited. Children should be securely seated and supervised at all times.
  • Walking participants who are not part of an organized marching group or float must wear or carry appropriate illumination for visibility and safety.
  • All motorized floats and vehicles must be operated by a licensed driver who is properly insured for the vehicle being operated.
  • All motorized vehicles must carry an approved, charged, sealed and properly serviced fire extinguisher, with the service date within 180 days of the parade. The extinguisher must be readily accessible, and the operator must be familiar with its use.
  • Fuel tanks should be filled immediately before the parade. No additional fuel containers or fuel storage receptacles are permitted on any parade entry.
  • The use of air horns, vehicle horns, sirens, or any other excessively loud or disruptive noise-making devices is prohibited during the Christmas Parade. Participants are expected to avoid any noise that may disturb spectators, residents, or other parade participants.
Staging, Parade Route, and De-staging
  • Riders should not be on floats while travelling to the registration and staging area.
  • Riders may only board their float or entry in the staging area and must remain on board until reaching the de-staging area. Participants may not mount or dismount from floats or other entries along the parade route, except in an emergency. Drivers and all participants must have a means of rapid escape in an emergency.
  • Parade marshals, identified by high-visibility vests, will be stationed at key intersections throughout the staging area, including Fielden Avenue at Killaly Street, Fielden Avenue at Elgin Street, and Elgin Street at Steele Street. Marshals will provide direction and assistance as needed.
  • Staging road closures will be in effect from 5:00 p.m. until the final parade entry enters Steele Street. Closures include:
  • Fielden Avenue from Killaly Street to Elgin Street; and
  • Elgin Street from Elm Street to Steele Street
  • Parade Route: Steele Street South to Clarence Street, East to West Street, South to Charlotte Street, then West on Charlotte Street to the Market Square parking lot, directly across from City Hall.
  • Pickup arrangements must be made in advance. Only parade entries will be permitted in the de-staging area. Riders must arrange to meet their transportation outside the de-staging area.
Do you have questions? Please call 905-835-2900 or e-mail eventservices@portcolborne.ca.
1.Business or Group Name(Required.)
2.Contact Name(Required.)
3.E-mail Address(Required.)
4.Mailing Address(Required.)
5.City(Required.)
6.Postal Code(Required.)
7.Are you interested in sponsoring the parade, or any other community event? If YES do we have your permission to contact you to further discuss this opportunity?
8.Social Media Accounts (For us to potentially include in recognition posts)
9.Please note, Mandatory Automobile Insurance Coverage is required if using a personal, commercial or corporate vehicle in the parade. Does your float include a vehicle?(Required.)
10.Total length of Float (Including Vehicle)(Required.)
11.Will you have music playing?(Required.)
12.Will the music be live or pre-recorded?(Required.)
13.Will you be handing out peanut free candy?(Required.)
14.Total number of float participants.(Required.)
15.Please select the category your float falls under.(Required.)
16.Provide a brief description of your float.(Required.)
17.I understand that I will be only permitted to participate in the parade if I have submitted a Certificate of Insurance, and if using a vehicle, additional Automobile Insurance.(Required.)
18.I have read and agree to all the rules and regulations listed above.(Required.)
Notice of Collection and Use of Personal Information

In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the personal information collected through this application will be used for the purpose of evaluating your eligibility and suitability to participate in or support city-run events.

Relevant personal information, such as your name and a brief summary of your qualifications, experience, and education as provided in this application, may be shared with City staff, event organizers, or made publicly available where required for transparency or as part of the event coordination process.

If you have any questions about the collection or use of this information, please contact eventservices@portcolborne.ca.