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Division Assignments and Arrival Times Are Now Available!

Do not be late.

All roads to the staging area close at 4:00 PM.

There are NO exceptions.


Please read this email carefully, it contains important information regarding parade day.


DIVISION ASSIGNMENTS & STAGING MAP


All parade entries are assigned to a parade division. Your division color and assigned entry number determine your scheduled arrival time and line-up location. Pro-Tip! Load-in can be tough, but if you know your division color, arrive on time, and follow our course marshals you will get to your spot.

Parade Division Line Up
Parade Staging Map

Division line up is subjected to change.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Check-In Location

Check-in at the Washington Avenue entrance to the SUNY Schenectady Parking Lot. Use exit 5 on Interstate 890 (Broadway) and make a left turn onto State Street. Proceed to Washington Ave where you will be directed into the SUNY Schenectady parking area.


Division Check-In Times!

Arrive on time during your scheduled arrival time. Your arrival time is based on your division color.

  • White and Light Blue | 2:30pm
  • Purple and Yellow | 2:45pm
  • Green and Navy Blue | 3:00pm
  • Orange and Pink | 3:15pm
  • Red, Burgundy, and Magenta | 3:30pm

Don't be late! Plan for traffic delays and arrive on time. State Street, Washington Ave, and all connecting roads will close to ALL traffic at 4:00pm. There will be NO exceptions.

PARADE STAGING

Staging hundreds of floats and over 2,000 participants takes a team.

  • Once you enter the staging area, follow the signs and directions of the parade marshals in your division.
  • Your entry number is connected to the parade order. If you park in the wrong spot, you may be announced incorrectly at the grandstands or delay the parade. Do NOT park yourself.
  • Bring the fun! We know waiting in a parking lot for 2 hours before your division steps off isn't the most exciting part of the parade. Bring fun games and music to make the most of the experience. Keep in mind that there will be 20,000 people lining the parade route, all eager to see you!
  • Be prepared for the weather and pack layers. Temperatures are forecasted to drop into the mid-30s after dark. Don't forget hats, mittens, raincoat, and umbrella.
  • When nature calls, portable toilets will be available.
  • Spread holiday cheer and take a stroll to see the other participants. Make sure everyone in your group is back to your float by 5:00pm.
  • Pack snacks and drinks. Don't march on an empty stomach. Please leave alcoholic and cannabis projects at home.
  • Course Marshals will patrol the staging areas and along the route. Please comply with their directions. Non-compliance could result in your entry being removed from the line-up.


Our friends at ALLTOWN Fresh will be onsite selling hot soup, coffee, hot cocoa, water, soda, and delicious food.

MUST READ! PARTICIPANT PARKING INFORMATION

Due to a record number of parade floats and participants the SUNY Schenectady Parking Lot is for parade staging ONLY. There is NO PARTICIPANT PARKING in the staging area. Participant parking is available at the end of the parade route in Bechtel Parking Lot at 670 Liberty Street in Schenectady.


Participants can be dropped off at the staging area during your scheduled arrival time. Vehicles left in the SUNY Schenectady Parking Lot after 4:00 pm cannot leave until Law Enforcement reopens the roads after the parade.

DURING THE PARADE

  • Bring your energy! You are the star of the show and the heart of this cherished holiday tradition.
  • Do NOT throw candy, toys, or other items from your float! Throwing items causes confusion, draws children into the street, and can lead to injury.
  • NO SANTAS on your entry. There is only one Santa Claus at the very end of the parade.
  • If your float features amplified audio, keep your sound at a consistently safe and reasonable volume. Course Marshals will monitor the volume along the parade route. Failure to comply could lead the course marshal to "pull the plug" on your music.
  • We ask all firetrucks and public safety vehicles to be mindful of others when using their emergency horn.
  • Mind the gap! Keeping space between your float and the entry in front of you will keep the parade moving safely and smoothly. Too much space can delay the parade. We recommend giving yourself 3 car lengths between entries.
  • The parade route extends State Street from Washington Ave to Lafayette St.

2024 Parade Participant Guide


Did you know, all the information you need and all past emails are available online? It also includes a route map and a list of street closures.

VIEW PARADE GUIDE

AFTER THE PARADE

Parking for pick up of parade participants will be available at the Bechtel Parking Lot (670 Liberty St, Schenectady, NY 12305). Use the entrance on Nott Terrace between Union College Graduate School and the Double Tree. 


  • Please follow the directions of the safety officers who will be directing the parade breakdown.
  • Any vehicles left at SUNY Schenectady will NOT be permitted to leave the staging area until the adjoining roads are reopened by law enforcement.

Thank you for helping Schenectady County ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday parade for both participants and spectators. If you have URGENT questions or concerns that have not been addressed, email parade@schenectadycountyny.gov.


Due to the amount of participants and individuals in the parade, we ask that you limit individual communications. Questions involving individual group/organization details or requests will not be answered.

Thank you to the 2024 parade sponsors:


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