🎄 Hilo Christmas Parade — Rules & Regulations

Important Notice: Participation in the parade is strictly based on compliance with all Rules & Regulations and the submission of a signed Participant's Agreement. The Hilo Christmas Parade Committee reserves the right to refuse entry or remove participants who do not comply or do not contribute positively to the event.

📅 Key Dates & Schedule

The parade will begin promptly at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2026. The assembly area will be on the field alongside the gas station by Piopio Street. Each unit’s waiting area will be designated by signs. All parade participants may begin to assemble in their assigned locations at 4:00 p.m. All participants are to be in place by 5:00 p.m.

📍 Assembly & Parade Route

🚩 Assembly Area

• Location: Field alongside the gas station by Piopio Street.

• Designated Spots: Each unit’s waiting area will be marked by posted signs.

🗺️ Parade Route

1. Begins at Pauahi Street

2. Turn Right onto Kilauea Ave

3. Continue onto Keawe St.

4. Turn Right onto Waianuenue Ave

5. Turn Right onto Kamehameha Ave

6. Concludes upon returning to the start location.

⚠️ Post-Parade Note: Floats must be dismantled at the finish location to prevent traffic congestion. Please exit the area safely—no speeding or burning rubber.

🚫 Critical Prohibitions & Guidelines

• 🎅 No Impersonating Santa Claus: NO ONE IS TO DRESS UP AS SANTA CLAUS. Santa Claus is reserved exclusively as the final entry of the parade. (Note: Santa-themed decorations are permitted).

• 🍬 Candy & Throwing Policy:

  • Strictly Prohibited: Throwing candy, objects, or items from vehicles or by walkers.

  • Allowed: Handing out candy directly to spectators by walkers only.

  • Candy/objects must be participant-provided and pre-approved by the Parade Committee.

• 📢 Noise Regulations: NO HONKING & NO AIR HORNS. To address public complaints, noise-makers and vehicle horns are forbidden along the route.

• 🧼 Equipment: NO FOAM CANNONS allowed at any point during the parade.

• 📄 Solicitations: No distribution of solicitation handouts, collecting money, requesting donations, or selling goods along the route.

🛡️ Safety Regulations

1. Substance Policy: Zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, or intoxicating substances during staging, the parade, or clean-up.

2. Driver Requirements: All drivers must possess a valid driver's license.

3. Large Vehicles: Any vehicle exceeding 10,000 lbs. GVW must carry an operable fire extinguisher.

4. Parade Flow: Do not stop or delay the forward flow of the parade.

5. Emergency Vehicles: If an emergency vehicle needs to pass, all parade units must pull over immediately to the right side of the route.

✨ Float Decorating & Presentation

• 🎄 Christmas Lights: Participants are strongly encouraged to illuminate their entries with Christmas lights.

• 💡 Entry Number Visibility: Light up your assigned Entrant Number so spectators can easily identify and vote for your entry!

• 🏷️ Group Name: Post your organization/group name clearly on both sides of your float.

• 🔒 Safety Standard: Ensure all decorations are securely fastened and will not contact utility wires, light poles, or overhead obstacles. Clean up and dispose of all materials after the event.

📌 Communications & Volunteer Guidelines

• Placement Updates: Tentative placement will be emailed to your group's contact person. Final placement numbers are assigned during check-in.

• Violations & Sanctions: Violations of these safety guidelines may result in immediate removal and disqualification from future events.

• Respect Our Volunteers: Please extend full courtesy to the Lions of East Hawaii Lions Clubs and community volunteers dedicating their time to host this event.