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.

The Harvest Homecoming Parade is Saturday, October 3, 2026

PARADE APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

All Parade applications must be submitted no later than September 18, 2026.

Parade Application

Parade Rules

2026 Harvest Homecoming Parade Rules

All Parade applications must be submitted no later than September 18, 2026.
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, please contact the Parade Vice President by September 29th.
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 officials instruction along the parade route.
Please bring your confirmation postcard and a valid driver’s license to the Information Booth to check in on the day of the parade.
Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances is forbidden on all entries and participants.
Anyone driving a vehicle of any form must present a valid driver’s license and must be over 18 years of age.
Store bought/pre packaged candy, flyers and other giveaways, are permitted at the discretion of the Parade Vice President.
Items can be HANDED OUT to spectators on sidewalks and can NOT slow the parade down or be thrown from vehicles.
Non-Float winners will be called by October 7th.
All trophies must be picked up at the Harvest Homecoming Office (431 Pearl Street) by October 16th
Monetary awards will be mailed out by October 16th.
Participants on floats and in vehicles must remain on float or in vehicle for the entirety of the parade.
Children must remain seated on floats while in motion.
Current elected officials will ride in convertibles provided by Harvest Homecoming, unless otherwise approved by Parade Vice President.
All political candidates for ANY elected office, must ride on designated party’s float, no more than 5 walkers PER CANDIDATE.
Each political float will have a Harvest Homecoming escort to ensure safety of all candidates and participants.
Signage for elected officials, political parties, political organizations, and political candidates may not be displayed on any parade entry or be carried or worn by any parade participant, unless on that political party’s float(s).
Car clubs will be limited to 10 cars and must ride staggered down the parade route.
Animal units must be dressed for the parade and provide proper clean accommodations.
Performing units must keep pace and will have a 60 second time allotment at the Reviewing Stand in front of the panel of judges.
Due to their scary nature, Haunted Houses are not permitted, with the exception of the Historical Culbertson Mansion.
ONLY Harvest Homecoming Queens and Princesses will be allowed to participate in the parade. In the event, Miss Indiana is from Floyd County, she will be allowed to ride in the parade. HHC will provide the convertible.
Failure to comply with any of the parade rules, will result in immediate dismissal from the parade.

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