PALM SPRINGS — If you are looking to enter a float or tap dance your way down Palm Canyon Drive in the 26th Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, the deadline is fast approaching.
In the past, the 1.25-mile long parade route has attracted as many as 100 entries from residents, businesses and local nonprofits. The parade floats and parade entries are judged in many categories, including Best Float, Best Band, Best Small Rig, Best Large Rig, and more.
It takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes for each entry, whether a float or marching band, to complete the parade route.
If you’ve never participated, this could be your year to shine in the city’s signature event.
The deadline to submit an application is Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. To apply online, visit here. Parade participants creating a float must attend one of two mandatory workshops at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24 or Tuesday, Sept. 25 at the Palm Springs Leisure Center, which is located at 401 S. Pavilion Way.
The Annual Festival of Lights Parade, which attracts an estimated 100,000 people, is one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season.
The 26th Annual holiday spectacular is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1 at 5:45 p.m. in downtown Palm Springs.
The beloved event features spectacular holiday floats covered in thousands of twinkling lights, giant Macy’s-style holiday balloons, a host of high-school and middle-school marching bands from across the Coachella Valley and a visit from St. Nick on the Jackie Lee Houston Santa Claus Express.
For more information about the parade and sponsorship opportunities, visit here.
If you’re not one that likes to be the center of attention or sit atop a float, especially on Palm Canyon Drive, the city of Palm Springs needs volunteers to help on the day of the parade. If you are interested in becoming a parade volunteer, please call Jasmine Sullivan, Special Events Manager at 760-323-8276.
