Entries Needed For 36th Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade

BEL AIR, MD — Christmas may be 3.5 months away, but plans are in the works now for Bel Air's big holiday parade.

Applications are being accepted now for the 36th annual Bel Air Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Dec. 6 starting at 3:30 p.m. The holiday event also includes a tree lighting ceremony, food trucks, live music and activities.

High school bands, floats, performers and costumed characters are all welcome to be in the parade, said parade chairman Michael Blum.

"We’re looking to fill this year’s parade with marvelous performing penguins, elves, snowflakes, snow people and Santa’s helpers— and more —all played by scouts and students and willing parents, and all members of the community who love Christmas and the Christmas spirit," Blum told Patch. "Get your application in early — space and time requires us to limit the size of the parade so we can stage it and deploy it."

To apply for a spot in the parade, fill out an online application by Nov. 23. All applicants vying for a spot in the parade will be contacted either way.

All parade participants must be costumed or dressed in a holiday or seasonal theme, including animals, which, to the extent possible, should be decorated or “accessorized” in keeping with the holiday or Christmas theme. Participating floats also must be decorated in a holiday theme.

Everyone in the parade must keep moving and cannot hand anything out to the crowd.

Awards are also given out in parade categories. Last year's winners were Overall Best in Parade, Best Marching Band, Best Float, Best Marching Unit, Best Mobile Unit, Best Costumed Characters, Best Animal Unit, Best Beauty Queen and General Parade Excellence.

Sponsors are also needed to support the Christmas parade and town celebration. More information about this opportunity can be found online.

The current schedule of events for the 36th annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony tentatively is as follows:

• 2:30 p.m.: The Route 66 Band in front of the Harford County Courthouse
• 3:30 p.m.: Parade
• 4:15 p.m.: Holiday music, food trucks and more in Shamrock Park
• 4:30/5 p.m.: Tree lighting