7 p.m., Thursday, December 5. The parade rain date is December 12. The parade
officially kicks off numerous Christmas events scheduled for December in
Berlin.
This year’s parade theme is "A Magical Berlin
Christmas". The parade is sponsored by the Berlin Main Street program, in
cooperation with the town’s merchants. All costs of conducting the parade are
covered by donations from Berlin area merchants and entry fees. Due to the
increased costs, most categories will be asked to pay a $10 entry fee.
Commercial entries will cost $25. Due to time constraints, this year’s parade
will be limited to 80 entries. Entries are reminded that the parade route will
be the same as last year. To alleviate congestion during the line-up of
entries, there will be three entry points. Entrants will be contacted the week
of the parade with a line-up number and entry point. Berlin town staff and
volunteers will be located along the route and specific spots to direct entries
to their line-up number. The parade will commence at the corner of Powellton
Avenue and Main Street and conclude at the corner of South Main Street and
Tripoli Street.
Categories for
the parade include adult and student sponsored floats, adult and children’s
marching and performing units, fire companies, commercial units, vehicle clubs,
motorcycles, antique cars, school bands, ROTC marching units, crowned youth,
and equestrian entries. In each category trophies will be awarded for first,
second, and third place. Individuals or organizations wishing to enter the
parade must submit entry forms no later than Friday, November 22. No entries
will be accepted after this date.
Anyone wishing further information about participating in
the parade should contact JoAnn Unger at 410- 641-3858 or Sharon Timmons at
410-629-1716. Our Santa at the end of our parade is the "Only Santa
Allowed". No candy or other items are to be thrown from any participants
during the parade, if so they will be disqualified from competition and not be
invited to participate next year.