2025 Theme: "To Be Announced"
Click the Emblem to access the online Parade Entry Form
Complete as directed and click SUBMIT at the bottom of the form.
You will receive a confirmation in the email you provide.
Please contact OldSettlersParadeCC@Gmail.com with any questions.
2025 THEME: “TO BE ANNOUNCED” – Whitley County has held this festival every year (with few exceptions) since 1904!
The American Legion Post 98 is proud to be able to host this parade every year for our community. Thank you for your support and participation!
If you are a hard working individual who would like to volunteer to help with the parade, please send an email to OldSettlersParadeCC@Gmail.com
Thank you!
AMERICAN LEGION/OLD SETTLERS DAYS PARADE RULES
All parade entries should be decorated. Exceptions are classic vehicles and emergency vehicles. Extra points will be given for using the theme. Please have fun with this, get your group together and make a great entry. Please pay close attention to the following list and include the correct category on your entry form. This will help us to better judge contestants. All entries must have contact information including mailing address included. Please remember this is a family-friendly event. Anyone who is belligerent, refuses to follow directions on the day of the parade or participates in any indecent behavior may be removed from the parade at the discretion of the Lineup Coordinator or the Parade Chairman. Any concerns should be expressed to designated Parade Officials.
PARADE CATEGORIES (NOTE THAT THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES)
All Units must submit a completed entry form. If your group is part of a larger group and prefer to stay together (Scouts, Shriners, 4H, etc.), please let us know in the description of your unit. Use the following information to complete the entry form. If your entry fits more than one category, please choose only one. Units must be designated as non-profit or commercial (advertising a for-profit company). Any units with animals are responsible for waste cleanup at the staging area and throughout the parade. Please be aware of how hot the pavement is and protect your animals as appropriate.
A. NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATION (Church, club, social group, etc)
B. NOT FOR PROFIT INDIVIDUAL
C. COMMERCIAL (COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PROMOTING A BUSINESS)
D. POLITICAL
E. EMERGENCY SERVICES (FIRE, EMS, FIRST RESPONDER, POLICE)
F. OTHER (IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT CATEGORY TO CHOOSE, LEAVE IT TO US AND WE WILL ASSIGN A CATEGORY BASED ON YOUR DESCRIPTION.)
RULES:
1. STAGING/UNSTAGING
> Staging for the parade primarily will be at the former Columbia City High School parking lot, unless you are informed otherwise. Emergency services will stage at Tractor Supply parking lot on North Main Street. Staging will begin at 3:00 p.m. All entries should enter by the driveway at the north edge of the property, across from North Street. Please arrive as close to 3:00 p.m. as possible to get checked in and directed to the correct section. (Please do not arrive early due to other activities scheduled on the property until 3:00)
> Section lineup is subject to last minute changes at the discretion of the Lineup Coordinator. Please be considerate of others and follow the direction of the Parade Officials.
> All participants should finish the parade at Whitley & Ellsworth St. to minimize congestion at Main Bowl or just return to the starting point to disband your group.
> Each group is required to dispose of its own trash including animal waste. Littering of any kind will not be tolerated. Anyone caught littering will be removed from the parade immediately and will not be welcomed back.
> Entries consisting of person(s) under the age of 16 yrs. of age must be accompanied by an adult.
The property is TOBACCO FREE. Please refrain from tobacco use during the entire event.
2. SPECTATOR SAFETY
Please do not throw any items from moving vehicles or trailers. Candy, fliers, gifts etc. must come from a walking participant.
3. PERFORMANCE
All units are encouraged to be costumed or uniformed and have an activity/routine to entertain people along the parade route. Stopping along parade route to perform will not be permitted. Parade entries may only stop at the judges stand to perform.
4. WEATHER
The parade will go on rain or shine! In case of severe weather, emergency responders will advise. Use your own discretion regarding weather. Please bring water for your participants and be cautious about furry friends marching on hot pavement.
5. AWARDS
There is no entry fee for this parade. Anyone is welcome to participate as long as the entry is family friendly (Parade Chairman reserves the right to refuse any entry at any time). All entries will be be judged EXCEPT: CCHS Marching Band, Political Entries, American Legion Post 98 Color Guard, Emergency Services, and OSD Officials. Winners will be posted on http://www.americanlegionpost98.com/mission.html and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=oldsettlers%20parade) the following week.
6. ANNOUNCER'S COPY
Information for the announcer must be completed on the parade entry form (BIO); this will be read from the judging area! Please include your contact information at minimum. Please limit to approximately 75 words or less.
PRIZE LISTINGS
Prizes are mailed to the Main Contact named on the entry form.
Each Category: Prize levels TBD
School Bands: Each participating school band will receive $150 for expenses per group.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
PARADE DAY: Saturday, June 21, 2025
START TIME: 6:00 p.m.
LINEUP TIMES: 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY!
THE PROPERTY WILL BE IN USE UNTIL 3:00
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The parade will go, rain or shine
Entries due by Tuesday, June 17, 2025
