take part
in the cherokee christmas parade!

Celebrate the Spirit of the Season – Join the Cherokee Christmas Parade!

DECEMBER 14, 2024 AT 5 PM

The Cherokee Christmas Parade is an annual tradition filled with joy, togetherness, and holiday cheer! Every year, our community comes together to celebrate the season with music, lights, and festive floats marching through the heart of Cherokee.

Whether you want to walk, dance, ride a float, or showcase your creative holiday spirit, we invite YOU to be a part of this special event. This is more than just a parade – it’s about community, connection, and celebrating what makes Cherokee so special during the holidays.

cherokee christmas parade float with singers

RULES

The name of the organization should be clearly visible on both sides of the float.

Floats will be judged throughout the parade route. (There is only one Santa Claus in the parade.)

Floats will be judged on music, lighting, and creativity. (This is a nighttime parade.)

1st Place: $1,000.00 – 2nd Place: $500.00 – 3rd Place: $400.00

All entries/drop-offs/traffic must enter by the Hungry Bear Exxon gas station on White Water Drive.
All traffic should exit by the Cherokee Bear Zoo.
The parade route will begin by the Bear Zoo, go downtown, turn right onto 441 N., and disband behind Qualla Arts & Crafts.
You may start bringing your floats into the parade lineup at 1:00 PM.
Floats must be in line no later than 4:00 PM (no exceptions).
Traffic must be cleared from the parade route by 4:00 PM. The only thing to be on White Water Drive is parade participants and floats.
Everybody riding/walking with the float/car/truck must be with their group at 4:30 PM (the road will be closed; no last-minute arrivals).
People riding a horse must make sure they have someone walking behind with a pooper scooper.
Winners will be announced at the end of the parade route (behind Qualla Arts & Crafts). W-9 forms will be filled out by the winners.

Contact

Parade entry forms can be picked up at the Cherokee Welcome Center. Entries will be accepted until 12/13/24 at 4:00 PM (no exceptions).

Forms can also be faxed back to (828) 520-7079.

You may also sign up online below.

For more information, contact the Cherokee Welcome Center at:
(828) 359-6490 (Josie Long)
(828) 359-6491 / 359-6486 (Christopher Watty)
Email: josilong@ebci-nsn.gov, chriswatt@ebci-nsn.gov

It’s easy! Simply fill out the form below to register as a participant. Whether you’re representing an organization, a local business, or just looking to spread some Christmas cheer, there’s a place for everyone in the parade.

Don’t miss your chance to shine in this cherished tradition. Sign up today and help us make this year’s Cherokee Christmas Parade the best one yet!

Name of Entry/Organization(Required)

Person In Charge of Entry(Required)

I wish to be judged:(Required)

No categories / No theme

Yes

Address(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone Number(Required)

Alternate Phone Number

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk

Cherokee Christmas Parade | December 14

For consideration of my participation in the above named event, I hereby assume absolutely and unconditionally all Known risks which are or may be associated with my participation in the above named event. I understand that in assuming these risks, I agree that under no circumstances will I or any person claiming through me make any claims, demands, suits, or liability (“Claims”) for personal injury, property loss, or death against the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (“EBCl’), or its partners, officers, agents, or employees (collectively, the “EBCI Parties”) on the part of any of them. I also agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless all such persons as aforesaid for any and all claims for bodily injury, which may be made against any such persons connected with or arising out of the above named event.

I understand also that (1) the EBCI is relying on my agreement to these terms in granting me permission to participate in the above event; (2) in signing this Waiver I acknowledge tha I am in a physically fit enough shape to engage in this activity and I do not currently have any medical restrictions that would exclude me from engaging in this type of activity; (3) my agreement to these terms is intended to release and absolve the EBCI (and its associated persons) from liability to the maximum extent.

I give my permission to the EBCI the right to take, use, reproduce, edit. photograph, record, broadcast, and otherwise exploit in all media, in whole or in part, including for commercial, promotion of the EBCI and event, my and/or my minor child(ren) or ward’s image, likeness voice, name, and biographical information in connection with the event and release the EBCI from all Claims that I or my successors and assigns may have for such use.

I have read and understand the above.

Participant Full Name(Required)

Date(Required)