Holiday Parade Applications Now Available

Applications for Portsmouth’s 2012 annual illuminated Holiday Parade are now available at www.cityofportsmouth.com for the December 1 event that will feature a food drive, marching bands, floats and Santa Claus.

The theme of this year’s parade, which begins at 6 p.m. following the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Market Square, is “A Sharing Season.” Portsmouth High School students will help collect food donations from parade participants and attendees to benefit the Seacoast Family Food Pantry, Operation Blessing and the Salvation Army.

The deadline to submit applications to enter a float – either on a flatbed trailer truck or towed behind a vehicle – is Nov. 14, with a representative from the float entry required to attend a Nov. 15 safety meeting at the Police Department. The deadline for all other entries is Nov. 19. Any application received after Nov. 19 must be accompanied by a $25 late fee. No applications will be accepted after Nov. 26.

Six bands already have committed to participate in this year’s parade: Portsmouth High School, Dover High School, Somersworth High School, Traip Academy, the combined Greenland and New Castle School band, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Only vendors holding City of Portsmouth individual vendor’s licenses will be permitted at the parade.  The application and additional information, including a map of the parade route, can be found at www.cityofportsmouth.com by clicking on the “Mayor” link on the left side of the webpage.

Submitted by Pat Remick, City of Portsmouth