Holiday DeLight Parade early entry registration ends Friday

The Cedar Rapids Downtown District and the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival have released the full schedule of activities for the Dec. 3 Fire & Ice Festival in downtown Cedar Rapids, including parade registration information. An early registration discount for parade entries is still available through Friday November 11 at 5PM.

The annual Holiday DeLight Parade will begin at 6PM, starting at 6th Street and 2nd Avenue SE and following the traditional parade route through downtown. Historically, thousands of patrons have attended the parade, viewing entries from businesses, organizations and individuals throughout the Corridor. Parade entries are encouraged to incorporate lights and classic holiday elements for your float, vehicle or costumes. A panel of judges will present awards to entries in the following categories: Best Float, Best Walking Unit, Best Decorated Vehicle, Best Use of Lights and Best Animal.

http://www.downtowncr.org/parade-entry-form.aspxLighting Tips: Patrons are allowed to use a generator or use traditional battery-powered holiday lights.

Rules:

* All entries must be registered by November 25, 2011. * All entries must incorporate some kind of lighting to their float to participate, except those vehicles pulling floats or carrying special guests. * All entries must provide their own signs and vehicles. Signs need to have large type and must be lighted to be easily read by the crowd and parade judges. * All entries must be less than 13 feet tall to clear the skywalk system and stop lights. * Do not throw candy or objects into the crowd. This is for the safety of parade spectators and participants. You may hand out candy, coupons or other items along the parade route. * A minimum of 2A10BC-type fire extinguisher must be provided on each entry, but is not necessary for walking units. If an individual is in an enclosed float, there should be one other extinguisher inside your entry and another extinguisher outside. * Entry materials must be flame-retardant and all wiring must be properly secured to prevent injury and mechanical damage. * Portable generators or compressors used on entries must be securely mounted and fastened on a substantial base. A minimum of 12 inches clearance must separate any part of the generator/compressor from combustible fabrics. * All batteries and battery packs must be concealed within the costume and all wiring must be concealed or attached to the individual. * The official Santa Claus will be on the last float as designated by the parade committee. No other person impersonating a Santa character is permitted in the parade.

A complete schedule of Fire & Ice events on December 3 can be found at www.downtowncr.org or www.freedomfestival.com

Thanks to Corporate Sponsors of the Fire & Ice Festival: Verizon Wireless, United Fire Group, Quality Chef Foods, Armstrong Development Company, Guaranty Bank, Smulekoff's and ImpactCR. Thanks to Media Partners KHAK, KCRG, Mix 96.5, Mediacom, KMRY, Hoopla and Z102.9 ##