1. Firearms may not be possessed or carried in the parade.
2. Only pre-registered participants may participate. There is no on-site registration.
3. Horses are not permitted in the parade.
4. Dogs must be tethered and under the control of an adult age 18 or older. All leash and cleanup laws must be followed.
5. Children under age 12 may not walk in the parade. They must ride and remain on a float unless participating in a lighted bicycle group with adults for the duration of the parade.
6. Performers should keep moving and should not stop to perform in a way that creates gaps in the parade.
7. Do not call spectators from the crowd toward your vehicle, float or group.

• At lineup, Kinston Police Department may check parade vehicles for active registration, valid inspection and insurance.
• Vehicles should maintain at least one car length of distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Car, motorcycle and bicycle clubs may include up to 10 vehicles or bicycles under one registration fee.
• Use extreme caution with any motorized vehicle activity or stunts.
• Turning left onto East Caswell Street may be tight for longer vehicles. Plan accordingly.

Tossing, throwing or handing candy or other items to spectators is prohibited. Violators may be removed from the parade.

• Spectators must remain on sidewalks and out of the street.
• Police officers will assist with keeping spectators out of the parade route.
• Spectators should not cross the street while the parade is moving.
• Entries are encouraged to have volunteers walk alongside the entry to help keep spectators safely away from moving vehicles and floats.

The train does not stop for the parade. It may slow down. Participants should be mindful when approaching Queen and Blount Streets and must not block the railroad tracks.

• Floats should be completed before arriving at Grainger Stadium.
• Incomplete floats may be disqualified by the lineup organizer.
• Floats must be constructed so they remain intact throughout the parade route.
• Exercise extra caution because this is an evening parade with spectators lining the route.

The theme is Light the Night. Participants are encouraged to use as many lights as practical on floats, vehicles, bicycles, costumes, musical instruments and other displays.

Make sure your entry is visible to spectators and to the Neuse News live-stream audience. Even simple lighting such as glow sticks can help make your entry more visible and festive.

This is a family Christmas parade. Adult, offensive or potentially dangerous displays, performances or broadcasts are prohibited.

Costumes, dance routines, music and other performances must remain appropriate for children and families. Profanity, offensive lyrics and disrespectful or inappropriate performances are prohibited.

Generators used for lights and sound should be installed with safety in mind and should not unnecessarily detract from the experience through excessive noise. Quiet generators are preferred.

A fire extinguisher should be readily available when a generator is being used.