Information for Entries

Christmas Parade

Old Town Orcutt

Parade Route and Participant Parking:

The parade has a new route this year.

Parade Staging, Parking, and Participant Drop Off/Pickup

Staging will be on the South Side of Clark Ave between Blosser and Marcum. Bands will stage on Marcum
All participants must enter Clark from Blosser.
Clark will be closed and one way (East Bound) during staging.
Entries and drop offs will proceed East on Clark on the North side of Clark
Entries will move into their designated spot on the East Side of Clark
Participants may be dropped off by their designated spots. Participants may also dropped off on Broadway or in the area by the Library and walk to their positions.
Entries/Participants will receive an access pass to the staging area. Two types of passes will be distributed.
- Entry passes that will allow access to the staging area and join the parade que.
- Drop off passes that will allow you to drop off/pick up participants near the staging area and park in the designated Pickup Area Parking on Rice Ranch Road East of Dyer
We will have Rice Ranch Road East of Dyer closed and reserved for Participant Pickup

Parade Entry Registration

Because the 2024 Parade was rained out, we have invited the 2024 entries back for the 2025 Parade. We are confirming those entries and will know how many spaces we have available in early November 2025. We will start accepting new applications then.

The parade is limited to 50 entries-Registration does not guarantee a spot in the parade. Participants will be notified on or before Dec 1, 2025

Misc.

Large groups like bands and clubs are encouraged to carpool or bus to the event.
All entries are limited to 40' in length for staging purposes. You must fit all of your group within this area. When you move into the parade, you will be able to stretch out.

Naughty List:

There is only one Santa Claus in the Parade. No other live Santa is allowed.
No flyers are allowed. Any group distributing flyers will be banned from the Parade and fined $500 for cleanup.
No candy canes or starlight mints.These candies leave a big mess when they are crushed into the street. Please
Always follow the directions of Parade staff.Anyone who does not will be banned from future parades.
Please don't leave a mess at the staging area.Take your trash with you.
Avoid any actions that could spook equestrian entries.Please don't touch or approach any animal without the owner's permission.
All animal entriesmust provide their own pooper-scoopers.
If you have parents walking with your group,they need to follow all parade instructions and act/dress appropriately for a family-friendly event.

Parade Day:

The Parade starts promptly at Noon and is held weather permitting.
The Parade's staging begins at 10 AM and closes at 11:30 AM.
Be sure your group knows your entry number so they can go directly to your spot. The Lineup will be sent out by 12/1/25. It will also be posted here and on our Facebook page.
You will receive an Entry Number Placard. This Placard must be placed/displayed where instructed.
Please go directly to your designated staging area. Position yourselves directly against the curb/East lane of Clark Ave. Leave the Westbound lane of Clark open for traffic and emergency personnel! Remember the West bound lane of Clark will be one way headed East during the staging!
Please don't crowd the slot ahead of you; it must remain open until that entrant has had an opportunity to stage.
Street control staff will direct you to the parking for parade entrants for vehicles other than those used in the Parade. Parking is minimal, so we recommend carpooling where possible.
Children 5 and under must be in a stroller, cart, wagon, etc., and accompanied by an adult.
Keep up with the parade flow. Do not slow down or stop during the parade. If your group is preforming, they must do it while moving.