"Light Your Way" Drive Through Christmas Parade

Dec 05

The “Light Your Way” Christmas parade sponsored by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) in partnership with Miracle on 7^th Street will be on Saturday, Dec. 5. This year, the parade will be a drive through parade in Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. All parade entries will be stationary at a designated location within the park and viewed by visitors driving through in the healthy and safe environment of their vehicle.

Creative and unique entries aligned with the Christmas theme are being accepted from the community. Entries must be family-friendly, contain lights and portray a Christmas story or theme. Up to 60 entries will be accepted.

“The parade has become such a great event with the community, with over 10,000 people attending last year. This drive through parade will allow SMWC to still bring holiday spirit to the community in a safe and responsible manner,” said John Mace, director of conference and events at SMWC. “We hope to have all of the entries that have been a part of the parade in the past. Of course, it will conclude with Santa Claus, just as in past years.”

This year, parade participants will be stationed throughout Fairbanks Park. At 6 p.m., cars will be admitted to drive through the park and see view the participants and their floats and entries. “Entry will be free. In partnership with the Miracle on 7^th Street, we will be accepting donations of canned food or money that will go to Miracle on 7^th Street,” added Mace about the unique event.

The deadline to submit parade entries has been extended to Dec. 1. For more information email christmasparade@smwc.edu

Submit entry

Rules and Information

Date: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (or when the last vehicle is through)
Location: Fairbanks Park, Terre Haute

Each unit will be located in a designated stationary location. All entries must be in place at 5:30 p.m. to start right at 6 p.m.

Number of Participants: 60 entries.

Parade Rules

The entry must have lights and be decorated!
A Fire Extinguisher must be readily accessible on every vehicle/float.
No political advertising.
Do not have any person dressed as Santa Claus on your float. As to not confuse little children, there will only be one Santa Claus present in the parade. We will have one designated Santa. However, you may have a Santa figurine or picture, etc.
There will be no handing out of items, including candy this year as a precaution. This will also encourage participants to continue moving through the parade and stay in their vehicles. The children that visit the parade will receive an item from SMWC at the end of the parade as long as supplies last. Distributors will wear masks and gloves.
All participants are to design a float for a decorated vehicle that will arrive at the park and then be located in a stationary location for the entire time. We are encouraging the practice of physical distancing, so we ask that your group stay together for the entire time. All participants are asked to clean up their area as they prepare to leave the park at the end of the parade time. SMWC personnel will be present to ask questions and assist you in finding your location for the parade.
No alcohol or illegal substances will be permitted prior to or during the parade. Also, no intoxicated persons will be allowed to participate in the parade.
To ensure safety, emergency vehicles should not use sirens and/or horns during the parade, unless they are called upon to respond to an emergency and must leave the parade.
Headlights should be turned off and daytime lights should be covered when the parade begins.
The entry must be family-friendly.

Other Important Information

Although this is a Christmas event, this parade is open for all beliefs of the holiday season.
The parade Chairs will be able to reject any application if the qualifications are not met.
A more detailed letter of information will be sent out upon completion of the entry form.