BERLIN — Berlin’s 46th Annual Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. The parade rain date is Dec. 8. The parade officially kicks off numerous Christmas events scheduled for December in Berlin. This year’s parade theme is “Christmas Dreams”.
The parade is sponsored by the Berlin Main Street program, in cooperation with the merchants of the town. All costs of conducting the parade are covered by donations from Berlin area merchants and entry fees. Due to the increased costs, most categories will be asked to pay a small entry fee of $10. Commercial entries will cost $25.
Due to time constraints, this year’s parade will be limited to 80 entries. Entries are reminded that the parade route will be the same as last year. To alleviate congestion during the line-up of the entries, there will be two entry points. Entrants will be contacted the week of the parade with a line-up number and entry points. Berlin town staff and volunteers will be located along the route and specific spots to direct entries to their line-up number. The parade will commence at the corner of Powellton Avenue and Main Street and conclude at the corner of South Main Street and Tripoli Street.
Categories for the parade include adult and student sponsored floats, adult and children’s marching and performing units, fire companies, commercial units, vehicle clubs, motorcycles, antique cars, school bands, ROTC marching units and crowned youth. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category.
Individuals or organizations wishing to enter the parade must submit entry forms no later than Friday, Nov. 18. No entries will be accepted after that date. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and the town has the right to close entry acceptance prior to this date if the maximum number of entries are received. Anyone wishing further information about participating in the parade should contact Sharon Timmons at 410-629-1716 or Ivy Wells at 410-629-1722.
No candy or other items are to be thrown or handed out from any participants during the parade. Entries will be disqualified from completion if found to be in violation of this rule and not be invited to participate next year.