The Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade will return on November 22, with the theme “It’s Christmastime in the City.” Applications are now being accepted for parade entries, vendors, and sponsors.
Parade board member Heather Blackburn said this year’s theme came from the famous song of the same name.
“We’re hoping for lots of themes and ideas based on that Christmas carol, Christmas Time in the City,” she said. “But of course, we are open and thrilled to have any floats and ideas people want to bring.
Nonprofit float entries are $50 and commercial entries are $150 through early-bird registration, which ends on October 31. Entries will be accepted through November 10 at standard rates.
Last year’s parade had just over 100 entries. Blackburn said the event has continued to grow since it returned after a hiatus due to the pandemic.
Vendor applications are also now being accepted. Rates are $100 per for rolling carts, $125 for standalone booths, and $150 for food trucks.
“We’ve already had a few vendors reach out that are interested in coming back,” Blackburn said. “So we’re hoping to have a lot of food trucks and vendors available for people at the parade. One thing that we’re really trying to promote is some of the cart vendors. Sometimes we get people who show up who aren’t licensed or registered with us to sell at those events. We really want to support those vendors who come in and do it the right way.”
There are full sponsorships available as well, ranging from $250-$1,000.
“We are always looking for sponsors,” Blackburn said. “If any businesses are interested, they can sign up on the website. Also, this year, we are pleased that Owensboro Health is going to be a sponsor again for us. They’ve been great supporters of the parade, and we are so glad to have them on board again this year.”
More details about float entries, vendors, and sponsorships can be found on ChristmasParade.net.
While the city helps with some aspects of the parade, the event is actually put on by the nonprofit Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade Association. The Association has a board and utilizes volunteers to host the parade. The funds to produce the parade come from entry fees, vendor fees, sponsorships, and donations.
