Participate in City-Led Events

Food Vendor Criteria

Food Vendor applicants are advised that selection is determined based on menu submitted with application. If only certain items will be offered for sale these are to be noted otherwise, the entire menu becomes part of the expected offering. Last minute substitutions or provision of an alternative menu must be communicated in advance.

• Burlington businesses and organizations are preferred
• Completeness of vendor application
• Greening initiatives and environmental impact
• Offering alternative food options (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, healthy, etc.)
• Offering wholesome, affordable, ethnically diverse food or merchandise

Vendors that align with the criteria are ranked higher in the selection process.

Only 1 entry per application.

Political and Religious Organizational Participation in City Events

Political Activity Restrictions 

• No political campaigning or electioneering: Vendors may not distribute campaign materials, display partisan signage, or promote political candidates or parties. 
• Non-partisan participation only: Elected officials may attend in a non-campaigning capacity but must refrain from soliciting votes or using branded tents/shirts tied to political campaigns. 
• No distribution of advocacy materials: Materials encouraging support or opposition to specific legislation or political issues are often prohibited. 

Religious Organization Participation 

• No proselytizing: Religious organizations may attend if they are offering a neutral community service (e.g., food bank info), but active attempts to convert or preach are not permitted.

• No distribution of religious texts: The handing out of religious literature (scriptures, pamphlets) is restricted. 
• Interfaith neutrality: Events must avoid appearing to promote one religion over others, especially when held on municipal grounds. 

Branding and Signage 

• No overt religious or political branding: Tents, signage, and displays must not include political slogans, religious symbols, or imagery that could be perceived as exclusionary or promotional. 
• Pre-approved signage only: All signage and handouts may be subject to prior review by the organizing body to ensure compliance with neutrality guidelines. 

Activity Requirements

• Engagement-focused booth activity: All vendors must offer an activity or interactive element relevant to the event theme (e.g., arts, games, cultural showcases), rather than simply distributing materials. 

Applications and Approval

Application process, caps, and acceptance criteria.

• Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached or the deadline passes.
• Total parade entries are capped at 65.
• Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
• Preliminary designs, photos, or descriptions are required.
• All entries must comply with the Parade Entry Criteria.
• Criteria are reviewed and updated annually.

Entry Categories

Walking groups, performers, and bands.

Walking & Float Entries

Community-based participants walking or accompanying a decorated vehicle.

Requirements:

• Maximum 30 walkers
• Children under 12 must be supervised (1 adult per 5 children)
• Continuous forward movement required
• No stand-still performances
• Subject to spacing and parade flow review

Entertainment & Performance Entries

Performance-based groups presenting choreography while advancing.

Requirements:

• Must maintain continuous forward movement
• No stand-still routines
• Must designate:
  • One pace leader
  • One safety lead
• Group size approved based on choreography, supervision, and flow
• May be asked to adjust formations

Marching Bands & Musical Performances

Featured performance entries providing live music.

Requirements:

• Not subject to walking caps
• Size and formation must be approved
• Continuous forward movement required
• Music must be family-friendly
• Must meet spacing and safety standards

Category Limits

Ensuring variety and balance.

• The City may limit entries within categories.
• Maximum three entries per category per applicant.
• Selection may be based on quality, variety, or random draw.
• Waitlist may apply once limits are reached.

Safety and Parade Conduct

Pace, spacing, and safety expectations.

• Maintain approximately 3 km/h (165 ft/min) pace.
• Keep 15 metres (50 feet) between entries.
• No stopping at any time.
• No throwing or distributing items (except approved sponsors).
• Non-compliant entries may be removed.

Messaging and Content Guidelines

Appropriate themes and representation.

• Non-political, non-controversial holiday event.
• No political advocacy or endorsements.
• Religious entries must engage a broad audience.
• Entries cannot be solely advertising.
• No Santa or Mrs. Claus portrayals (reserved for Official Float).
• Inflatables are permitted.

Vehicles and Float Requirements

Vehicle limits and decoration standards.

• One vehicle per entry unless approved.
• No standalone automobiles (antique/specialty exceptions possible).
• Vehicles must be fully decorated.
• Must be mechanically sound.
• Float riders must have secure seating or footing.

Meetings and Communication

Pre-parade coordination requirements.

• One representative must attend mandatory pre-parade meeting.
• Applicant responsible for communicating all rules to participants.