2026 Uptown Shelby Christmas Parade Application

"Where Christmas Comes to Life in Uptown Shelby"

Thank you for your interest in participating in one of Shelby's most cherished Christmas traditions! Each year, hundreds of families line the streets of Uptown to celebrate the magic of Christmas together.

Whether you're a business, nonprofit, church, school, civic organization, marching band, or simply a group of friends spreading Christmas cheer, we're excited to welcome you! This year's parade promises to be full of festive music, creative floats, and unforgettable Christmas memories.

Parade Information

Date: December 6th, 2026

Time: Lineup starts at 1:00 pm, and the parade starts at 3:00 pm 

Application Deadline: November 9th, 2026

Late fees start November 10th until November 13th and will be $50

More than just a parade, this event serves as Uptown Shelby Association's largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the programs, beautification efforts, business development initiatives, events, and community projects that keep Uptown Shelby vibrant all year long.

Space use per registered applicant is a max of 40 feet wide by 50 feet long. If additional space is required, there is an additional $50 charge per 50 feet of length added.

Introducing...Christmas Parade Awards

This year's parade will include judges and prizes! They will use the judging criteria below in order to award:

• Most Christmas Spirit: Overflowing with holiday cheer, joy, and festive fun!

• Community Spirit Award: Celebrating an organization that exemplifies Shelby's heart, volunteerism, and hometown pride.

• Most Creative Entry: Outstanding originality and imagination.

• Best Youth Organization: Open to schools, youth groups, scouting organizations, dance teams, and similar groups.

• Best Performance: Outstanding musical, dance, or live performance during the parade.

Winners will receive a $100 gift card to enjoy their favorite Uptown Shelby spot as well as a custom certificate and a highlight feature on our social media platforms.

Judging Criteria

Each entry will be scored on a 100-point scale.

Category Points:

Creativity & Originality ___/20

Overall Appearance ___/20

Christmas Spirit ___/20

Crowd Engagement ___/20

Craftmenship & Attention to Detail ___/20

Total Score: ______ /100

The Primary Contact as listed in the first section of this application is required to inform all participants within their organization of any information shared to them by the Uptown Shelby Association, including maps, entry points, line-up positions, etc. To ensure the safety of our volunteers, staff, and parade participants, barricades will not be moved from any area once in place. Late arrivals to the parade may be denied entry.

Throwing items of any kind from a float or parade unit is strictly forbidden. Parade officials are authorized to remove participants and units from the parade for violating this rule. Candy, swag, and other items may be shared with the audience by walking up to the sidewalk and handing items out directly to audience members. This rule is in place to prevent parade attendees, especially children, from entering the street and/or crossing into the path of moving vehicles.

The Primary Contact as listed in the first section of this application is fully responsible for maintaining order and supervising all parties involved with their entry, including but not limited to walking participants, float riders, children and parents or guardians of children, animals, and others. The Primary Contact is responsible for ensuring that all trash is properly disposed of from their position in the line-up and dispersal areas. Conduct on the part of any unit or individuals that may embarrass or otherwise threaten the safety of the Uptown Shelby Association, its volunteers and staff, and parade audience members will not be tolerated and may affect future participation in the Uptown Shelby Christmas Parade.

The Primary Contact is responsible for ensuring the cleanup of any animal waste produced by animals in your party. Large animals including horses and other livestock must be diapered. Pets, such as dogs, must have their waste immediately removed from the lineup area and parade route at the time of elimination. Undiapered animals and/or animal waste left in the lineup area or on the parade route can and will result in removal from this and future parades organized by the Uptown Shelby Association.

The Uptown Shelby Christmas Parade is a rain or shine event. Participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions and dress appropriately.

In the event of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances that create unsafe conditions, Uptown Shelby Association reserves the right to delay, modify, postpone, or cancel the parade at its sole discretion.

Because the parade is Uptown Shelby Association's largest annual fundraiser and significant planning, staffing, and event expenses are incurred well in advance, all entry fees, sponsorships, and float purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of weather, participant cancellation, or event modification.

By submitting an application, participants acknowledge and agree to this policy.

By initialing below, you are acknowledging that there will be a parade safety meeting in November that will be required for parade participation.

Uptown Shelby Association will reach out to the contact person listed on this page with meeting details.

Application fee payment

If there is no fee associated with your entry category, please select $0.

If you have added additional space, please use the custom amount box to add the $50 per additional 50 ft. fee to your total cost (i.e., $50 + $50 = $100, so write '$100' in the Custom amount box).

We are able to accept most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, and Discover, as well as PayPal payments, and checks brought directly to our office (211 S Trade St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Thank you for participating in the 2026 Uptown Shelby Christmas Parade. Your participation provides support so that we can ensure the mission and vision can continue to thrive in Uptown Shelby. The Uptown Shelby Association is a non-profit supported by grants and fundraisers.