Join the Montpelier Days Parade!
Parade Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Start Time: 10:00 AM (Rain or Shine)
Location: The Village of Montpelier
Parade Guidelines
General Parade Information
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1 ½ miles – All units will line up at the Hanover Community Center (14662 Bethany Church Rd.) The parade will head north on Bethany Church Rd. (Rt. 610) towards Route 33. Turn left onto Route 33 beside Fire Station 8. Head west through the Village of Montpelier. Turn left onto Sycamore Tavern Lane where the parade will end.
Maintain a continuous forward motion during the parade. No stopping.
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For the safety of our children, nothing may be tossed from any units.
Handouts of merchandise, fliers, food, etc. during the parade MUST be approved in advance by the Parade Committee.
Do not use air horns.
Do not jump on or off any moving float or vehicle.
Equestrian units must have a pooper scooper.
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Identification signs or banners are encouraged for all entries in the parade.
Signs must be for identification purpose only and not used as an advertisement.
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The parade will go on RAIN OR SHINE.
If, for some unforeseen reason, your unit is not able to participate in the parade after being accepted, please contact the Parade Committee prior to the parade date, as soon as possible.
Entries not in place on Parade day by 9:30 AM will not be able to participate in the parade.
Guidelines for Parade Units and Groups
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Since this is a forward motion parade only, no stopping to perform will be allowed.
Unit members are required to be in uniform attire.
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Walking groups must be in costume.
Walking groups are limited to 50 walkers.
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Plain clothed marching entries will not be accepted
Entries requiring vehicles to carry sound systems must notify the Parade Committee on the application. Carts or vehicles accompanying the entry must be decorated.
Drill / Dance routines must be choreographed for forward motion. NO stopping to perform.
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Vehicles must be properly insured and drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
Vehicle and float drivers must have a clear view of the front of the vehicle.
Passengers standing or sitting on the float should have handholds or support while the float is moving. NO jumping on and off while float is in motion during the parade route.
Young children riding on a float MUST have adult supervision with and around them at all times.
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Vehicles considered for entry must be antique or unique.
A limited number of farm machinery or large trucks will be accepted by the Parade Committee.
Vehicles permitted in the parade will be restricted in numbers, no more than 2 car clubs and clubs limited to 6 cars per club.
Drivers must have a clear view of the front of the vehicle.
Vehicles must be properly insured and drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
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A limited number of horse units will be accepted by the Parade Committee.
Horses should be parade-ready as they will be exposed to a variety of loud noises, crowds and unfamiliar sights. Any animal deemed unsafe in the parade will be removed.
Animal units must provide their own “clean-up” crew to follow their unit in the parade.
Equestrian riders under 12 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult trainer.
If you are bringing animals with your unit, you MUST note this on the entry application form.
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Currently serving elected officials who represent the Montpelier / Hanover area are invited to ride in the parade.
Elected officials may not campaign for re-election, or for another office, nor hand out or display election materials.
VIP/Dignitaries should have signage visible identifying who they are.
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Montpelier Days Sponsors are allowed to participate in the Parade as part of their sponsorship.
Commercial business entries must be a Montpelier Days sponsor to participant.
Units must be decorated and/or supporting the Montpelier Days theme.
Sponsor commercial vehicles (trucks, vans, cars) must be approved by the Parade Committee.
Handouts of food items, merchandise or fliers must be approved by the Parade Committee in advance.
Parade Entry Application
Applications are due by August 3, 2026