Contest Rules

• Only one Santa Claus is allowed in the Parade. The Emporia Area Chamber & Visit Emporia arranges for Santa’s appearance.*No artificial Santas or false representatives of any kind are allowed.
• Candy, prizes, novelty items may be distributed along the route of the event. Distribution shall occur within fifteen feet (15′) of the curb line. Candy, prizes, novelty items shall NOT be thrown by participants, either from a float or other vehicle or by walkers. Participants who throw items may be fined and/or removed from the parade at the sole discretion of the Emporia Police Department.
• All Parade participants must comply with current traffic laws and regulations. For everyone’s safety, we ask all motorized vehicles to refrain from excessive acceleration, wheelies, burnouts, etc. The Parade is for the community’s enjoyment – please be considerate.
• All entries must have a Christmas theme or greeting that should also be consistent with this year’s theme.
• Participants who want their entry to be judged for special awards (Parade Marshal’s, Chamber’s, etc.) must have their float assembled and in line in their designated location by 4:45 PM.
• Prior to the parade, you will be assigned an entry number. For identification and lineup purposes, all Parade entrants shall make and display their entry number in black marker on an 8 1/2 X 11″ paper and affix to the DRIVER side windshield of the entry or to the front side of any nonmotorized (walking) entries. Final Parade placement is subject to change for best presentation during the Parade.
• Commentators and the reviewing stand will be located in the 700 block of Commercial. In order to be identified for broadcast information, please slow down and make your entry number visible.
• You MUST provide your own street cleanup if your entry includes livestock (dogs, horses, etc.) per City of Emporia Parade guidelines.
• Absolutely no alcoholic beverages or consumption of alcohol is permitted during the ceremony or Parade. Any participant judged to be in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or any other substance, shall be asked to leave and subject to removal if not done.

Ed Rathke will serve as the Parade Marshal for the 2026
Emporia Christmas Parade!