The Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista
​Holiday of Lights Parade Participant IMPORTANT Rules & Guidelines
>>> Keep this page and review with all your participants and driver <<<
The following is a list of rules and guidelines that are for the smooth and safe operation of the parade. This parade is an evening of celebration and fun for all, but the safety of everyone is a priority. All participants MUST follow these rules and guidelines. Please be advised: If rules are not followed by a participant, their entry will be removed from the parade line up by Parade Officials, who will be stationed along the parade route, and they will not be allowed entry the following year.

  1. FORWARD MOTION PARADE: The parade must continue in a forward motion.  All performance routines must be choreographed with keeping the unit moving as much as possible.
  2. ALLOW MORE TIME: There is a tremendous amount of traffic on this evening, so please have all your participants add 15 minutes to their drive time to get downtown.
  3. LIGHTS ARE MAGIC: Since this is a night parade, ALL entries must include holiday lights on their entry–the more the better! Any entry that is not sufficiently lit during the parade may not be allowed to participate next year.
  4. ENTRIES: No applications will be accepted after the maximum number of entries has been received. Get your application in EARLY! All float decorations must be flame retardant. No firework or poppers of any kind.
  5. NO SHOWS: If any registered entry cannot appear on parade day, the entry fee is forfeited.
  6. EQUESTRIAN UNITS: Any rider or handler showing inability to control their animal will be deemed unsafe by Police or Parade Officials and will be removed from the parade. An adult must accompany children under the age of 12 years with their animals. Animal waste left in the staging area, in the parade line-up, or along the parade route MUST be removed immediately! A fine of $150 will be accessed for non-compliance.
  7. FLOAT/TRUCK PASSENGERS: Please do not bring your participants along when parking your float entry. Have them join your entry after 5:00 p.m. NOTE: There are limited restroom facilities along the line-up route. Float and vehicle riders must be secure on the vehicle with handholds, rails or chairs. NO PERSONS ARE ALLOWED TO RIDE ON THE ROOF OR HOOD OF VEHICLES. NO PERSONS ALLOWED TO STAND IN THE BACK OF ANY TRUCK OR HANG FROM SIDES OF VEHICLES.
  8. NO SEMI-TRUCKS will be allowed in the parade.
  9. NO THROWING OF FAVORS: Absolutely nothing may be thrown OR distributed from floats! Also, no hand-outs or literature may be distributed while you are on the street during the parade, as well as curbside or behind the crowd.
  10. NO POLITICS: The advocating, opposing, depicting, or endorsing of any political or social issues or persons, is not allowed in the parade. This includes signs, banners and audio.
  11. NO SANTA COSTUMES: There is only one Santa Claus in the parade. Santa hats are acceptable.
  12. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR SMOKING AROUND ENTRIES.
  13. NO BLOWING OF SIRENS, LOUD VEHICLE HORNS OR REVVING OF ENGINES.
  14. NO SPRAYING OF WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS FROM ENTRIES.
  15. NO SWERVING OR STUNT DRIVING.
  16. NO USE OF WEAPONS. (unless previously approved or those with a color guard unit)
  17. DO NOT LEAVE BAGS, BOXES, OR EQUIPMENT ON THE STREETS OR IN PARKING LOTS.
  18. KEEP IT CLEAN: This is a family event; therefore entries must not include any questionable signage, decorations or dance moves that may be offensive to any individual or child. Please use good judgment!
  19. NO USE OF CELL PHONES, INCLUDING TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.
  20. TEST YOUR GENERATORS AND FILL YOUR GAS TANK PRIOR TO THE PARADE. ALL VEHICLES MUST BE PROPERLY REGISTERED AND INSURED.
  21. NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 IS ALLOWED TO OPERATE A MOTORIZED VEHICLE OF ANY KIND IN THE PARADE. DRIVERS MUST BE PROPERLY LICENSED.
  22. NO 18-WHEELER WITH COMMERICAL TRAILOR NOT PULLING A HOLIDAY FLOAT
  23. NO USE OF CELL PHONES, INCLUDING TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.
  24. TEST YOUR GENERATORS AND FILL YOUR GAS TANK PRIOR TO THE PARADE. ALL VEHICLES MUST BE PROPERLY REGISTERED AND INSURED.
  25. NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 IS ALLOWED TO OPERATE A MOTORIZED VEHICLE OF ANY KIND IN THE PARADE. DRIVERS MUST BE PROPERLY LICENSED.
 
Please keep and review with all your participants and your driver – Thank you!
 
The Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista
P.O. Box 823
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
831.320.1764