Deadline upcoming to enter parade

Christmas Parade Route

There is still a little time left for those who wish to participate in this year’s Christmas parade. Deadline to sign up is 4 p.m. Saturday, December 4.

Diane Silvis with the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce said so far there are 22 entries.

“We have floats, trucks, bands,” Silvis said. “But there is no limit on the number of entries we can have … the more, the merrier. We want this parade to be the best ever.”

For an entry form, go to the chamber website and click events, email info@mindenchamber.com or call 377-4240.

Using the theme “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Minden’s Christmas Parade is scheduled for 5 p.m., Saturday, December 11 in downtown Minden.  

This year, there is an extended the parade route, so citizens can practice social distancing.

The parade will begin at the corner of Elm and East and West streets and end at the same location.  Line up begins at 3:30 p.m. at the corner of Elm Street facing south to McArthur. 

Please do not bring vehicles, trailers or floats to line up before 3:30. To drop off participants to get to their floats, please drop off at Richardson Elementary School.  Pick up will be in same location.

Parade entries should feature a favorite Christmas Carol or song as inspiration. Build a float or other parade entry to illustrate the theme of the song. Have music playing for an extra touch. Add lights and colors to make the entry unique.

If you are throwing candy or trinkets you MUST have adult walkers on either side of your unit and throwers must wear a mask.

Awards include the following:

Best Band

Best Marching Group 

Santa’s Award – Given to the overall outstanding entry presenting and illustrating the  theme “Twas The Night Before Christmas!”

Spectacular Sparkles -Given to the entrant that presents an outstanding display of lights and/or other type of illuminations

Awards will be presented in the front of the Minden Civic Center at 6:45 p.m. (or after parade ends).

General Rules: The Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to reject any entry which it believes does not follow the required rules and regulations.

All floats/entries in the parade should have some form of Christmas decoration and Christmas music where practical. Seasonal music and lights are what make Christmas parades special, and we encourage all participants to emphasize these elements.

Animal Groups

1. Animal entries must incorporate the parade theme.

2. Animal entries shall exercise appropriate measures to keep spectators safe.

3. Horses may be either bagged or accompanied by “scoopers” during the parade and while in the staging area.

Lights and Christmas music are welcome and encouraged!

Since the parade is broadcast live on KASO/KBEF Radio, all entrants must supply their own signage for their float/entry. Banners and signs should be neat and easily recognized. Six-to-eight-inch lettering is recommended. Basic, simple signs show best.

Any float with children must have one adult for each five children.

Please NO SANTA costumes! Santa will have his own float at the end of the parade. Santa Claus is the featured guest each year.


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