Hello Parade Participants!

Thank you so much for registering to participate in the 6th Annual Holiday Parade. This year is a special one as we have live music from Somerville’s School of Rock House Band following the parade (approximately 6:45pm), baked good and hot drinks for sale from the local High School Ball Club as well as the local Fire, Police and volunteer organizations and small business owners from all over town showing off their best.

Sign ups to join the parade close by noon today, Saturday 12/6. I have attached a map for where the lineup be at the Bernardsville Center (80 Morristown road) starting at 5pm along the Parking lot and curb by “Tons of Toys”). You will be assigned a number which will be your place in line. Numbers are assigned to help break up the types of units and manage flow appropriately. Please follow the directions of Main Street Bernardsville Volunteers.

For now, here are a few details and important safety information that we will need to ensure all are aware of: **Reminder the event is Rain or Shine. Follow all directions of Local Law Enforcement.

1. Arrival. Since Route 202 will be closing around 5:45, we ask that all participants arrive and Check in with Main Street Hosts by 5:00-5:30pm. I will be on site early and my contact is listed below if you need to reach me that day or text questions. If you need extra time for set up, please let me know. Parade day specials at the shops in Bernardsville Center as well as a separate entity hosting the Christmas tree lighting from 4-6pm in Olcott Square, so please come early and shop local for some last minute holiday gifts and entertainment.

2. Parking. You may park at the Bernardsville Center, however, you will need to walk back there following the parade along sidewalks. If you choose to park at Bernards High, please go in the back lot, NOT the center lot between the buildings. This will be the finish place for the towed floats and groups so they will need room to maneuver, park, and let off the children riding on floats. Parking is also available at the library, 1 Anderson Hill Road.

3. Tree Lighting and Santa. We are not hosting the tree lighting or any Santa photo ops. Please feel free to decorate your floats and dress appropriately.

4. Parade flow. Vehicles MUST move at no more than 3MPH. Walkers and dancing groups will need to keep up and safety is of the utmost importance so please consider remaining at a slow moving pace. PLEASE pay attention to the moving groups in front of you to ensure there are no major gaps in the parade flow. If you are having trouble with your unit, please allow the units behind you to proceed, and join in the lineup where you are able. There will be a handful of parade marshals on the route walking with various groups. If you need assistance, they will introduce themselves so you will be able to ask them for help. Please follow their instruction, if you need to slow down, speed up, or stop. Valid insurance required for any vehicles participating and Main Street Bernardsville, the sponsors and affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage to vehicles or floats.

5. Absolutely NO THROWING of candy or items to the crowd. This encourages children to run into the roadway to grab the candy and can be very dangerous in front of moving traffic. NOTE: The fire trucks and Police will be at the end of the parade and behind them is regular flowing traffic as the road opens up behind them. You may HAND DELIVER candy canes or smaller items to the crowd, but no throwing.

6. Parade end. Once we arrive at the high school, please maneuver in the lot between the Olcott Building and the High School. You may park there as you unload folks riding in the trailers. We will be hosting a musical performance. There will not be any additional formal (or informal) happening at the school following the musical performance. The school’s facilities (like restrooms and such) will not be made available to anyone. Please plan accordingly. Our goal is to always encourage spectators and participants to head into town, shop and have dinner at our local restaurants! We, after all, are all about the #ShopLocal movement!

7. The most important part of all is that no matter what happens, HAVE FUN. We started this event to bring something special to the community, so the more we are all able to have a great time, the better the event!

Thank you, again, and more from us tomorrow with the line up.