Parade Registration & Rules
Get in on the action with the official kick-off to Harvest Homecoming! The Harvest Homecoming parade features over-the-top floats, booming bands, vintage cars, and tons of enjoyment for kids and grown-ups of all ages.
Parade applications closed September 15 2025. See you at the parade – October 4
Parade Application
PARADE APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
Thank you to all who have submitted their application. We will be in touch soon.
All Parade applications must be submitted no later than September 15, 2025.
Parade Rules
2025 Harvest Homecoming Parade Rules
- All Parade applications must be submitted no later than September 15, 2025.
- In the event of rain, the parade will proceed as scheduled.
- All floats must have a fire extinguisher on board.
- Confirmation packets will be mailed to the address provided on the application by September 25th.
- Please be respectful of the staging time frame listed on postcards. If special accommodations are needed, contact the Parade Vice President by October 1st.
- Failure to be staged on time could result in ineligibility to be judged for awards and prizes.
- Line up numbers are non-negotiable.
- All units must follow parade official instructions along the parade route.
- Bring confirmation postcard and valid driver’s license to check in at the Information Booth on the day of the parade.
- No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances are permitted on any entries or with participants.
- All drivers must present a valid license and be over 18 years old.
- Store-bought/pre-packaged candy and giveaways are permitted at the discretion of the Parade Vice President.
- Items must be handed to spectators—no throwing allowed, and distribution must not slow the parade.
- Non-Float winners will be called by October 7th.
- Trophies must be picked up at the HHC Office (431 Pearl Street) by October 17th.
- Monetary awards will be mailed by October 15th.
- Participants must remain on floats/vehicles throughout the parade.
- Children must stay seated while floats are moving.
- Current elected officials will ride in HHC-provided convertibles unless otherwise approved.
- Political candidates must ride on their designated party’s float with no more than 5 walkers per candidate.
- Each political float will have an HHC escort for safety.
- Signage for political parties/candidates may only be displayed on their assigned float(s).
- Car clubs are limited to 10 cars and must ride staggered.
- Animal units must be parade-ready and provide cleanup arrangements.
- Performing units have a 60-second limit at the Reviewing Stand in front of the judges.
- Haunted Houses are not permitted, except for the Historical Culbertson Mansion.
- Only Harvest Homecoming Queens and Princesses may participate. Miss Indiana may also participate if from Floyd County (HHC will provide a convertible).
- Failure to comply with any of these rules will result in immediate dismissal from the parade.
Staging Times - TBD
Check back for Staging Times.
Parade Awards
| Category | Suggested Standard | Monetary Award | Physical Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Marshall | Parade Chair and HHC President Choose | – | Plaque |
| Mayors Award | Best development of theme from a city group (Police, Fire, Sanitation, Parks etc.) | – | Plaque – Personalized |
| Crusader Award | Best development of theme from a Fire Department | $500 donation in the name of the FD to Crusade for Children | Plaque – Personalized |
| Presidents Award | Most unique entry – pick from any float | 1st $350 2nd $150 3rd $100 |
1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| Theme Award | Most theme involved – float from a business or non-business | 1st $350 2nd $150 3rd $100 |
1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| Jr. Citizen Award | Sponsored by a youth group; youth help with building or decorating | 1st $350 2nd $150 3rd $100 |
1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| Henry Ramsier Award | Sponsored by civic group, club, school, political group | 1st $350 2nd $150 3rd $100 |
1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| Commercial Award | Sponsored by business with 150+ employees | 1st $350 2nd $150 3rd $100 |
1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| Vice-President Award | Sponsored by business with fewer than 150 employees | 1st $350 2nd $150 3rd $100 |
1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| Non-band Marching Unit | Judged on uniform appearance and step precision (e.g. ROTC, Scouts) | – | 1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| Performing Unit | Judged on originality, continuity, and performance (e.g. drill, dance) | – | 1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| School Band | Judged on cadence, straight lines, overall appearance | $150 to march parade day | – |
| Non-School Band | Judged on uniform and staying in step (usually adult bands) | – | 1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| Motorized Unit | Judged on restoration, eye appeal, performance drills, precision | – | 1st trophy 2nd trophy 3rd plaque |
| Animal Unit | Judged on grooming, attire, rider and handler control | – | Only if we have any after the fact |
| Sweepstakes Award | Best overall entry – float or any other – decided by judges | $350 | Trophy |
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