Programs

Parade participation is limited and based upon a first-come/first-served basis.

The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. sharp on Saturday, September 20, 2025. All participants must be lined up and ready to go no later than 9:30 a.m. that morning. Late arrivals will be repositioned, if possible, or otherwise turned away.

THEME: 30th Anniversary Celebration

PARADE ROUTE: Start on Manchester Road (exact staging location will be e-mailed to you) to Taylor Road (at the roundabout). North on Taylor Road to Main Street. West on Main Street to parade end at Eastgate Lane.

PARKING
• Instructions regarding parking locations for parade participants will be provided via e-mail, prior to the event.

PARADE LINE UP:
• Staging area – LOCATION will be e-mailed to you.
• Line up begins at 9:00 a.m.
• All parade participants must be in place by 9:30 a.m. (no exceptions)
• All parade participants must arrive at the staging area as a complete unit.
• Please note that staging assignments will be provided to parade participants via e-mail, prior to the event.

SUPPORT VEHICLES:
• Motorized entries (floats, cars, etc.) will not be permitted to have a support vehicle.
• Marching units and walking entries are permitted to have one support vehicle.

SAFETY RULES:
•Parade Participants MAY walk along the curb and HAND pre-wrapped candy items to the crowd. ANY ENTRY THROWING CANDY OR ANY OTHER OBJECT MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE PARADE AT THE NEXT INTERSECTION AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE PARADE IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
• Children walking in the parade must have adult supervision at all times.
• No water guns of any sort allowed on a parade float.
• Materials used in each entry should be fire-retardant and not of a dangerous nature. An on-board fire extinguisher is highly recommended.
• All entries must be able to maintain their speed and position throughout the parade. Maneuvering, sidestepping, countermarching, or any other action delaying the progress of the parade or creating large gaps along the parade line are prohibited.
• Distance between parade entries should be kept at thirty (30) feet.
• The parade staff will consult with Police, Weather, and Fire/EMS Officials to determine any cancellation due to unforeseen or threatening circumstances. In the event of inclement weather, please check your e-mail and telephone for messages regarding the parade staff’s decision.

PARADE JUDGING:
You have the option of participating as a judged parade entry by a panel of judges. If you would like to participate in the judged contest, please indicate your interest when you register. The theme of judged entries will be announced at a future date.

Judges will use the following criteria to choose award winners: Best Costumes; Quality of Work and Construction; Overall Appearance; Best Interpretation of Event Theme; and Best Use of Natural Materials. First, second, and third place awards will be determined. Please note: each judged entry MUST have an assigned number clearly visible on the float/entry to assist the panel of judges in identification.

QUESTIONS
Please direct all questions relating to the parade to Stacy (stacy@cityofwildwood.com) or Kristin (kristin@cityofwildwood.com) or via phone at (636) 458-0440 We are looking forward to a wonderful parade and your participation!