Parade Theme:
This year’s parade theme, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” invites us all to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the ideals George Washington stood for. It serves as an inspiration for float entries and parade units to honor the people, events, and traditions that bring us together and give meaning to our lives.
From veterans, military leaders, and teachers, to other notable figures who have shaped our nation, the theme highlights the everyday heroes and role models who continue to inspire future generations. It also encourages us to recognize the places, events, and simple blessings that spark joy and unite our communities. At its heart, this year’s theme is a celebration of life’s many gifts—tangible and intangible—that remind us what it means to be free, to live with purpose, and to cherish everything worth celebrating.
IBC/Commerce Bank Youth Parade 2026 Application!
Anheuser-Busch Parade 2026
2026 RELEASE OF LIABILITY APPLICANT’S FORM
https://share.boloforms.com/s/fc/2026Release
2026 PARADE PARTICIPANT’S RELEASE FORM
https://fill.boloforms.com/signature/form/2026participantreleaseform
2026 PARADE SCRIPT
https://fill.boloforms.com/signature/form/2026script
2026 PARADE LINE-UP FORM
https://fill.boloforms.com/signature/form/2026lineupform
The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) is a nonpartisan organization. To maintain neutrality and ensure a welcoming environment for all participants and spectators, WBCA does not endorse or support any political candidate, party, or campaign.
Active political campaigning is strictly prohibited during WBCA parades and events. This includes, but is not limited to:
Political candidates may participate or attend as members of the general public only, provided they comply fully with this policy and all parade rules.
WBCA reserves the right to enforce this policy and may require the removal of any prohibited materials or activities to ensure compliance.
Any unit, in whole or in part, not conforming to these Rules and Guidelines, using offensive language or inappropriate behavior will be dealt with immediately. Penalties for non-compliance may include immediate removal from the parade, disqualification from judging, or barred participation in future parades. Rulings by WBCA officials are final. The rules and guidelines will be strictly enforced.
DEADLINES: WBCA reserves the right to reject any applications received after Thursday, December 4, 2025. Parade applications received after the deadlines are subject to a $200.00 late fee and availability. *DUE TO CHANGES IN STAGING AREAS AND ROUTES, ABSOLUTELY NO LATE ENTRIES CAN BE ACCEPTED.
T.V. – MASTER OF CEREMONIES NARRATION INFORMATION: The WBCA office and parade committee is not responsible for obtaining descriptions of your entry for use by Master of Ceremonies and TV anchors. Scripts must be e-mailed to [email protected] and be submitted using Microsoft Word. Include all information that merits announcing (i.e. major awards, titles, drum majors, mascot, school colors, fundraisers, etc.).
PLEASE LIMIT YOUR SCRIPTS TO THE MAXIMUM OF ONE PARAGRAPH OR ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE (125) WORDS OR LESS. SCRIPTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER FRIDAY, JANURARY 30, 2026.
RELEASE FORMS: Participant Release signature is required for each participant appearing. For children under 12, form must be signed by a parent or guardian. For children between ages 12-18, the signatures of both child and parent or guardian are required. It is the responsibility of the designated person in charge to insure that each participant has submitted a form.
ENTRY FEES: Entry fees are payable upon submission of application and are not refundable, proof of tax status may be requested. Please make check or money orders payable to the WBCA.
Tax-exempt or Non-Profit $ 100.00
Commercial Entry $ 350.00
Fire Permit Fee $ 20.00 (Per Unit – ALL Floats and ANY Vehicle w/ generator)
Late Fee $ 200.00
ADULT SUPERVISION:
A) A designated “person in charge” is required to accompany all units.The name of this individual, along with his/her daytime/cell phone number must be included on each application. Units with children under the age of 12 must provide responsible adult supervisors to accompany the unit.
B) All participants, their sponsors, and “persons in charge” will immediately comply with any request received from a parade or WBCA official. The designated “person in charge” will be held responsible for the compliance of the unit as a whole.
C) IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SIX (6) RIDE ON FLOATS AND NOT WALK/MARCH IN THE PARADE.
D) For the safety of all participants, adult supervisors should ensure that their entries do NOT return on the parade route against oncoming parade traffic upon the completion of the parade.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Consumption of any alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs by participants is strictly prohibited.
PERFORMANCE LIMITATIONS: Performing of routines is strictly prohibited unless the routine is in a progressive motion. There will be no stopping or pausing along the parade route, including in front of the judges and review stand. No units may perform stunts or maneuvers that may endanger spectators. This includes motor or mini cycle group and horse units.
THROWING OR DISTRIBUTION OF ITEMS DURING THE PARADE: Distribution or throwing of items (including candy, beads, and balloons) to the crowd by participants is prohibited unless the Parade Committee grants approval. No more than a maximum of 10 adult walkers can be designated to hand out items to the crowds along the route. WBCA officials retain the right to confiscate any said items. All walkers must have a WBCA issued bracelet to be allowed to accompany an entry.
EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES: Units using horses are required to provide a clean-up crew. The crew should also be available in the line-up area. If a clean-up crew is not provided, then said entry will not be allowed to participate. No exceptions will be granted. Horse entries must also comply with federal and state quarantine regulations. For information concerning quarantine, please contact the USDA at (956) 723-3051 or the WBCA office.
FLOATS/ NON-FLOATS WITH GENERATORS (Float Size/Construction): A float shall be deemed a vehicle on which a frame or platform shall be at least 8’ x 20’ and completely decorated. Maximum height is 12’. Each float must be equipped with 1/2” bar with 11/2” eye for hooking a towline in case of breakdown. All float entries must be constructed with fire retardant materials. ALL FLOATS and VEHICLES with a generator MUST CARRY AN “ALL PURPOSE”- 5 POUND ABC TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHER WITHIN THE REACH OF THE DRIVER, Inspected and Tagged by a State licensed Fire Extinguisher maintenance inspector (current inspection tag). No Gasoline Containers will be allowed on floats and/or vehicles while the parade is in motion. No Smoking will be allowed on or off the floats and/or vehicles during the event. No Open Flames or Fireworks are allowed on or off floats and/or vehicles at any time. All Generators must have their exhaust outlet facing away from all combustible material at all times. Tail pipe for exhaust must extend to side of or rear, projecting beyond the float apron. Signs bearing the name of the community, organization, or individual entering float must appear on the side aprons. Devices displaying advertisement for any trade, mercantile pursuit, or business occupation shall not appear above the bed of the float.
POLITICAL SIGNAGE: Absolutely NO political signs, materials, shirts, etc., are allowed on floats or on person participating on float.
WALKERS: Those individuals who will walk with an entry MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER and MUST complete a Participant’s Release Form. They must also have a WBCA issued bracelet to be allowed on the route.
VEHICLES: No closed vehicles i.e. vans and limousines will be allowed. Trucks and automobiles will be permitted if pulling a float or carrying a sound system. NO individuals are allowed to ride in the back of the truck. The only person that is allowed is the sound technician. (The Parade Committee can grant written approval for any exceptions.) All towing vehicles should be fully decorated to match the colors/theme of the float/entry. See attachment for examples.
MOTORCYCLES/FOUR WHEELERS/ATVs: Four wheelers (ATVs) and motorcycles will not be allowed unless they are part of a law enforcement unit. Law Enforcement units are asked to limit these vehicles to 4 in total.
CAR CLUB ENTRIES: Due to time restrictions and the length of the parade, each car club may have only two (2) of their best cars as entries in the parade. In addition, all car club entries must have participated in the WBCA Pipes and Stripes Car Show (Saturday, February 14, 2026) to be eligible to participate in the parade.
LAW ENFORCEMENT ENTRIES: Due to time restrictions and the length of the parade, law enforcement entries (not those securing the route) will be limited to one Float and two squad cars per law enforcement agency. If the agency does not have a float, then two additional cars may be added for a total of 4 cars. (The Parade Committee can grant written approval for any exceptions.)
FIREARMS/OTHER WEAPONS: The presence of firearms, knives, or other deadly weapons on the parade route, or anywhere within the parade staging area shall be grounds for immediate removal and/or disqualification from participation in the parade event. This prohibition includes replicas, or other items which may appear to be a firearm or other deadly weapon. This prohibition does not include any items which are part of an organizations official uniform or costume. WBCA shall have sole authority regarding the qualification or disqualification of any individual or organization as a result of this provision. Any decisions made under this section are final, with any proceeds paid to WBCA being non-refundable.
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR: Individuals or organizations exhibiting behavior deemed inappropriate or offensive shall be subject to removal and/or disqualification from participation in the parade event. Furthermore, any individual or organization identified as violating this provision shall be prohibited from participating in future parades.
FLAGS: Any flags displayed in conjunction with the parade must conform to all regulations governing the display of flags in the USA.
CITATIONS: WBCA Committee Members will be issuing citations to all entries/participants that do not follow the rules & guidelines. Those cited risk not being considered for parade judging. Cited entries risk placement and inclusion in subsequent parades.
PARADE LINE-UP: A Mandatory Orientation Meeting will be held on THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026 AT 6 PM AT THE IBC ANNEX BALLROOM 2ND FLOOR, 2416 JACAMAN RD. Parade line up numbers, maps, and instructions will be issued at this meeting. The Parade Committee will be available to answer any questions or concerns about your unit(s).
**Any FLOAT or NON-FLOAT not complying with ANY of the above listed requirements will NOT participate.
