Applications have now closed for the Festival of Lights parade. If you have any questions feel free to contact Roland Narofsky by email to rnarofsky@mainesavings.com with “Rotary Parade” in the subject line or call 862-7259 (w). 
 
If you have a float:
 
The parade is weather dependent.  In the history of the Festival of Lights Parade Rotary it has only been cancelled once due to significant icing.

Building A Float

Creating a spectacular float—that is all aglow-takes time, a dedicated crew of volunteers and Yankee ingenuity.  Check out these websites for ideas and, have fun building a fabulous entry.
 
I invite you to look at this new link. The City of East Peoria has created some awesome floats that can be entered into their Parade and then displayed at various locations for the holiday season.

Judging and Trophies

     Our judges will be seated on the Reviewing Stand in West Market Square.  Marching bands, performing groups and those who would like to perform (a song, dance, skit, etc), for the judges will have 30 seconds to stop at the reviewing stand.  Please practice with a stopwatch.

     The Bangor Rotary will present trophies in seven categories plus best overall entry—be sure to check off the appropriate designations for your unit.  Categories include, Outstanding Non-Profit; Outstanding Youth Group; Outstanding Commercial Entry; Outstanding Municipal; Outstanding Performing Entry; Outstanding Adult Group and Outstanding Band.

Notes to Entrants                    
For last minute info go to http://www.BangorRotary.org
     
     This is a nighttime parade…be sure your entry (vehicle and people) is festively decorated and loaded with lots of lights!!!  
  • Please no candles. Use a quiet generator or another source of power.  Test and re-test your lights.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Fuel should not be carried on any float.
  • No candy or other items are to be handed out or thrown to spectators along the parade route.  This is a safety requirement, as children dart into the streets for candy.
  • During the parade, designate at least two spotters to walk near your float to check on float riders and parade viewers.
  • Vehicle Operators should possess a valid Maine Driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.  This includes any commercial vehicles and its operator.
  • Floats should be constructed to support the number of participants
  • Create 2 signs with your name (1 for each side of your float) so spectators and judges will know who you are.
  • Please, no Santa—we already have one.
  • Please be sure your entry features music. You may sing, play instruments or play recorded music. 
 
Parade Formation:  Parade units will form on Exchange Street and utilize the side streets and parking areas around Exchange Street including Hancock Street between Oak and Exchange, York Street between Oak and Exchange as well as the public lots in Kenduskeag Plaza. Step off will be 4:30 PM. 
 
Parade Route:  The official parade starting point can be at any point along Exchange Street.  At this point it might be an easy landmark to use the intersection of State/Exchange.  From there, the route will follow Harlow Street to Central Street.  It will turn left onto Central Street and proceed down Central to the intersection at Main/State/Hammond.  It then turns right onto Main Street and proceeds up Main Street through the intersection of Main/Union and continues up Main Street towards Cedar Street.  The parade will end in the area in front of Davenport Park. 
 
Parade End:  From Davenport Park floats should continue straight on Main Street and turn left on Railroad Street.  Railroad Street and some of Front Street will be closed to the public.  Please use Front Street to unload the floats and breakdown as necessary.  Please note from Davenport Park (Cedar Street) to Railroad Street you will be in regular traffic and proceed accordingly.  Police will be there to assist with directing traffic.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Special thanks to our Parade route businesses for their understanding during the closing of the roads in front of their establishments. Please remember to thank them by visiting them and shopping while you are in Bangor.   

 
Roland Narofsky
Festival of Lights Parade Chair
Rotary Club of Bangor
(p)207-862-7259
(f)207-862-7623