Okotoks Parade and Children's Festival

FOR SAFETY REASONS: (Safety is our first priority – yours and our spectators!)

• Parade floats require a minimum of two (2) walkers who walk on each side of the float for a total of four (4) walkers.  
• All entrants are responsible for ensuring that the design and operation of their entry is safe and reliable.  
• Float entry must be fully decorated with a railing around the perimeter of the float deck. Such railings must be of solid construction with top and intermediate rails. The top rail shall be a minimum of 36”.
• All entries are prohibited from throwing candy or distributing materials from float, vehicle or trailer. Any candy or other materials must be distributed by walkers surrounding the entry.
• For safety reasons, participants shall not mount/dismount from entries unless the entry has come to a complete stop.

General Information

The Parade organizers determine the location of all entries in the parade and the entry must maintain that position throughout the parade unless otherwise directed by a Parade Official.  All entries will be given a check-in time, once checked in, entries will receive a number indicating where they will be located in the parade line-up. This check-in information will be emailed to all entrants the week of the parade.  Please arrive on time for your placement along North Railway Street; the Parade will start at Poplar Avenue. 

Parade entry arrival: 9:00 a.m.

Parade start time: 11:00 a.m.

• Parade entries will enter the parade zone travelling East to West from 32nd Street along North Railway Street.  Parade entries travelling East will not be permitted entry into the event zone.
• Please note that the parade route, from Lineham Avenue to Northridge Drive, will close to all moving vehicles at 9:30 a.m.

Okotoks Parade Registration Link!

•  You must produce a FREE arts-related activity or performance that fits this year’s party theme at your booth from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Attendance at the Children’s Festival is around 2000-3000 people. Your activity should be prepared for at least 100 children to participate. 
• You can market your own organization at this event, but no sales of merchandise is allowed. Fundraising is not permitted in any fashion. All activities are to be provided free of charge for the children of our community. 

Children's Festival Application Link 

• There will be road closures in effect during the event; see details at top of event page. 
   
• Bathroom Facilities: Portable bathroom facilities are located along the parade route. Additionally, patrons can utilize restroom facilities at both the Okotoks Arts Gallery and the Okotoks Museum. 
   
• Parking: We recommend informing your customers and vendors that parking along the parade route won’t be available during the hours of the event. 
   
• Special Offers: Take advantage of the increased foot traffic by offering special promotions or discounts during the event. This can incentivize attendees to stop by your business and make purchases.
   
• Decorations: Get into the festive spirit by decorating your storefront or premises with banners, balloons, or themed decorations. This can attract attention and create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
   
• Stock Up: Anticipate higher demand for your products or services during the event and ensure that you have sufficient inventory or staff on hand to meet customer needs.
   
• Community Engagement: Take this opportunity to connect with fellow businesses and community members. Collaborate on cross-promotions, sponsorships, or joint activities to enhance the overall experience for attendees. Engage with your audience on social media leading up to the event. Share updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses and exclusive offers to build excitement and encourage attendance.

We are pleased to announce we are opening up a new way to be a part of the action! New for 2024 is the “Activation Opportunity”; a way for businesses (outside the event zone), sports groups, and not-for-profit organizations to participate in Community Events. Promote your business or group and get your brand in front of thousands of festival attendees by being a part of the action. What better way to engage with a crowd then to draw them in with an activity! 

Register!

Space is limited for activations and food trucks so registration will happen on a first-come first-serve basis. 

Are you tired of driving around trying to find parking before a major community event? You can ride your bike right down to the event zone and park it at the bike valet free of charge. Volunteers will safely monitor your bike while you enjoy the event and you can pick it up when you're finished.

The Bike Valet will be located behind the big Okotoks letters, on the corner of Clark Ave and McRae Street. It will be open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and any bikes left at the valet after 3:00 pm will be left unattended and can be picked up by their owners at any time.

On Saturday morning from 8:00 am to 10:00 am the Okotoks Lions Club will be hosting their annual parade breakfast in the parking lot of Canada Post (27 McRae St).

Breakfast is by donation; all proceeds collected by the Lions Club of Okotoks will go towards local charities.

The Parade will require a road closure of South Railway Street, Riverside Drive, Northridge Drive, Elizabeth Street, McRae Street and North Railway Street from Stockton Avenue to Northridge Drive from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.

• Lineham Avenue to Stockton Avenue – 8:00 am until 2:30 pm
• Lineham Avenue west to Northridge Drive and South Railway to Northridge Drive – 10:00 am until 2:30 pm

Our team does its best to accommodate vehicles needing to access or leave their residence or business during the road closure times. However, once the parade starts at 11:00 am, walking out vehicles safely is impossible.
 
View Parade Route Map

Detour to Kinsmen Park