Guidelines

    Please note: The next parade is December 7, 2024

    Each year, the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade committee selects up to 100 entries for the parade. Selection is based on the quality of the entry as described in the application in combination with the photo submission.

    In addition to celebrating the Christmas season, the goal of this parade is to entertain and educate spectators regarding the history of transportation and the contribution of the horse in the evolution of our culture.

    The parade begins and ends at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, and the total route is 5.5 miles. Local law enforcement provides escort from the fairgrounds through downtown and in the return. The parade also has designated official outriders to assist as needed and insure the safety of entrants and spectators.

    • All participants (drivers, passengers and riders) should be dressed in appropriate theme attire
    • Vehicles should have wooden or metal wheels; those with pneumatic and/or rubber tires are not permitted
    • Riding groups must have a minimum of 6 members.
      • The number of riding groups is limited; submission of an application does not guarantee participation in the parade.
      • Priority will be given to past groups chosen and those with a unique historical appeal.
      • Groups who arrive on parade day with fewer than 6 members will not be allowed to participate.
      • Riding groups cannot ride before or after another riding group; they must be interspersed within the rigs.
    • Outriders are limited to two per entry. They must remain with their vehicle, and their attire should be coordinated with their entry.
    • Walkers are not allowed.
    • Dogs must be leashed and under control while at the fairgrounds and along the parade route. They must be able to ride in the vehicle as they are not permitted to walk.
    • Nothing may be thrown or distributed from entries along the parade route.
    • Do not allow parade attendees to pet the horses as this creates a dangerous environment during a parade.
    • No showboating, circling or performances during the parade
    • Participants need to keep pace with the parade, allowing fewer than 50 yards from the entry in front of them. Avoid stopping during the parade unless necessary for the safety of participants or attendees.
    • Entries may not display flags or images used by  intolerant groups, including but not limited to the Confederate battle flag.

    All participants with hitches who are traveling more than 50 miles are eligible for one hotel room on the Friday night before the parade at the designated hotel as well as stalls at the Fairgrounds for the horses. Riding groups traveling more than 75 miles are also eligible for one hotel room and stalls. Please indicate your needs on the application.

    All participants are invited to dinner and entertainment on Friday night at the Fairgrounds. Reservations may be made on the application.

    For additional information, please contact Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade via Facebook Messenger, by email or call 785-856-4437

    Applications are accepted starting in August. They may be completed online here or mailed to 718 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS 66044 or by email [email protected]