Parade Participants
We look forward to your participation in the Annual Park Road Parade on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Please share these instructions with each member of your contingent.
The parade begins at 10:30 AM. Participants should be in place no later than 9:30 AM.
(see road closure noted below)
Please check in with your division Conductor, who will wear a Park Road Parade T-shirt, carry a clipboard, and stand on the corner of your division's street. The Conductor will have your line-up position.
PLEASE NOTE: Only elected officials presently holding office may march in the parade. Campaign messaging, including banners advertising the office candidates are running for, is not permitted. All other candidates may walk on the sidewalk or stand at their party’s table.
Road Closure: Park Road will close at 9 AM for the road race that proceeds with the parade. Access to Park Road will be via side streets, including the Boulevard.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Areas: Buses and vehicles may drop off their groups on West Beacon Street. Access the drop-off site by traveling East on the Boulevard, turning right onto Prospect Avenue, and right onto West Beacon. Stop at the corner of Lexington Street to drop your group off. Exit via Lockwood Terrace.
Bus Parking: Buses may park at the end of the parade on Vera Street or Jessamine Street. You access Vera Street by traveling west on the Boulevard, turning left onto South Quaker Lane, and first right onto Vera Street.
Parade Length: The parade is one-half mile long. It begins at the intersection of Park Road and South Highland Street and ends at Jessamine. All participants, marchers, and vehicles will pass through the South Quaker Lane intersection.
You Are On TV: Look for the orange “X” mark on the pavement and the person holding the sign “You Are On TV” near 280 Park Road, and HAM IT UP! WHC-TV cameras will be pointing at YOU, and TV commentators will talk about you and your group.
Awards: Each year, awards are given to the Best Float, Best Overall Performance, Best Costumes, Best Musical Performance, and Best Community Spirit. Be creative, and you could win!
Restrooms: Public restrooms are located at Effie’s Restaurant, 91 Park Road; A.C. Petersen Restaurant, 240 Park Road; Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road; and Three Ladies Antiques, 328 Park Road.
Public Parking: Spectator parking is located on Richard, Crosby, Gillette, Ringgold Streets, and Oakwood Avenue (south of Crosby Street). There is ample parking on the arterial streets north of Boulevard between South Highland and South Quaker.
Handicapped parking is available on Crescent St., Fairlawn St., and Washington Circle.
Rain Cancelation: Parade organizers will decide to cancel the parade due to weather by 1 PM on Friday. Check your email for a notification. Information will also be posted to the parade website: https://www.parkroadct.com/about-the-parade. Please note that the parade will not be rescheduled if it is canceled.
Questions: Call Renée McCue at (860) 561-7521 or Tony Landino at (860) 966-4582.