Parade of Lights

Interested in participating in the 2023 Parade of Lights? Applications are available July 3 for parade entries - floats, walking groups, dancing groups, vehicles, marching bands, and more!

Important Notice

The 2023 Parade of Lights will once again have a registration fee. The registration fee will be $25 per entry. Due to the popularity of the Parade of Lights and the limited space, a registration fee is charged to all entries. The registration fee will be applied to the prize money of the first-place winners of the five judging categories. Registration fees will not be collected until entry has been officially confirmed for participation in the parade.

Entry Sign-Up Process

1. Review the Parade Entry Information Sheet for all dates, rules, and regulations
2. Complete the Parade Entry Application: Applications are now closed for 2023
3. Wait for the entry confirmation to be sent via email to Parade Entry contact person. - all further details, including payment, will be provided to Parade Entry contact person by email or phone
4. A Wait List will be available for entries should space fill up

The total number of entries allowed in this year's parade is dependent upon the sizes of the accepted entries.

All entries have the option of being judged before the parade begins. Please review the categories carefully and choose only one that best suits your entry. Entries opting to be judged will be considered for Judge's Choice!

• Best Lit Musical or Dance Group
• Best Lit Community Group
• Best Lit Business Entry
• Biggest and Brightest

Criteria for Judging

All categories, except Judge's Choice, will be judged on the following:

Use of Lights

• Advanced use of lights to music or choreographed program and/or other visuals designs
• Number of lights used
• Proportional use of lights throughout the entry
• Use of lights in an unusual or innovated fashion
• Unusual style and/or color of lights used

Originality

• Innovative and creative techniques used to make the entry distinctive
• Resourcefulness and use of materials to enhance visual understanding or theme of the entry

Overall Presentation

• The entry that exhibits the highest marks in Use of Lights & Originality to create a cohesive, memorable and visually appealing entry from all aspects
• Creates a “Wow Factor” and is engaging for the audience

The parade 3/4 quarter-mile route begins at Frye Rd. and heads north to Erie St. along Arizona Ave.

Guests attending the event are strongly encouraged to carpool and arrive early to find parking. There are several locations to park throughout the Downtown area. Please visit the parade overview map to see these exact locations. Suggested routes to access each parking site is also listed.

Parking Locations

• P1 - Overstreet Parking Garage
  Enter Structure from Chandler Blvd. and California St. to Buffalo St.
• P2 – Street Parking
  Parking Lot accessible from Boston St. and San Marcos Pl. via Dakota St.
  **San Marcos Pl. (between Buffalo St. and Commonwealth Ave.) will be closed from 2 - 10 p.m.**
• P3 – Oregon St. Parking Garage
  Parking Garage accessible from either California St., Oregon St., or Chicago St.
• P6 - City Hall Parking Garage
  Enter Structure from Frye Rd. and Washington St.
• P7 – San Tan Regional Court Surface Parking Lot
  Enter lot from Dakota St. and Chicago St.
• P8 – San Tan Regional Court Surface Parking Lot
  Enter lot from Frye Rd.
• P9 – City Surface Parking Lot
  Enter lot from Dakota St. and Chicago St.
• P10 – City Police Department Surface Parking Lot
  Enter lot from Dakota St. and Chicago St.
• P11 - Alexander Parking Structure
  Enter Structure from Chandler Blvd. to Delaware St. and Boston St.
• P12 - Downtown Library Parking Lots
  Enter Lot from Chandler Blvd. to Delaware St. and Boston St.
• P13 - Jonathon Parking Structure
  Enter Structure from Chandler Blvd. and either Washington St. or Colorado St.
• P14 - Site 7
  Enter Lot from East Bound Chandler Blvd. and Washington St., make right into the lot

Supplemental Parking Locations

Additional parking may be available in these locations. Please follow all traffic laws when crossing all streets to get to the event area.

• Folley Park - Map
  • *Enter from McQueen Rd. and Frye Rd. or Pecos Rd. and Hamilton St.

Please Be Aware of the Following Closures

• 2-8:30 p.m. Arizona Ave. closed between Frye Road and Pecos Road
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Frye Road restricted from Washington St. to California St.
• 2:30-10 p.m. Arizona Ave. closed between Chandler Blvd. and Frye Road 6:30-9 p.m. Chandler Blvd. restricted from Delaware St. to California St.
• 6-9:30 p.m. Arizona Ave. closed between Galveston St. and Chandler Blvd.

Are you interested in volunteering? We have a great opportunity for anyone who needs community service hours or just wants to help out a great event. Volunteer opportunities range from setting up, parade banner holders, activity booths, or helping guests with event information. Please contact Special Events for current volunteer opportunities.

The Parade of Lights is continually seeking interested individuals, organizations, and companies who want to sponsor our great festival with either in-kind services or monetary donations. The benefits of being a sponsor range from on-stage logo recognition and announcements during the festival to name and/or logo recognition on websites, press releases, and much more. Potential sponsors may review our sponsorship packages.

For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Special Events for current partnership opportunities.