Annual Redlands Christmas Parade

Spread some holiday cheer at the 2018 Redlands Christmas Parade – with a citrus twist. Organizers of the longtime city tradition have put out the call for applicants looking to showcase their talent, businesses or organizations in front of thousands expected to line the streets of downtown Redlands at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. Hosted by the Redlands Kiwanis Club – Noon and the city of Redlands, this year’s parade celebrates the city’s strong ties to the citrus industry with its theme, “A Citrus Heritage Christmas.” “Orange groves are part of our community, our history,” said parade co-chairman Tom Nelson, “and as they are disappearing we thought we’d do something to recognize that.” Individual, nonprofit and commercial entries from Redlands and surrounding communities are welcome to participate in the parade. Interested parties can download an application from www.redlands-events.com and submit their entry form by mail to Kiwanis Club of Redlands - Noon, P.O. Box 1102, Redlands, CA 92375. Applications may also be picked up or dropped off at Redlands Jewelers at 1 N. Fifth Street. Deadline for applications is Nov. 20. Registration for individual and nonprofit entries are $25, while commercial entries are $35. A late fee of $10 will be applied to each entry that registers after the initial deadline. Event sponsorships opportunities are also available. For more than two decades, the Redlands Christmas Parade has served as a kick-off to the holiday season with organizers working behind-the-scenes for a year to plan the event. This year marks the parade’s 20th nighttime affair after parade committee members in 1998 made the switch from an afternoon start time to an evening event to attract larger crowds and not interfere too much with business operations in the downtown area. Organizers estimate between 20,000-25,000 are expected to line the parade route on Dec. 1. The rain date is Saturday, Dec. 8. Those unable to attend the parade in person can view the festivities live on channels 3 and 35. To learn more, go to www.redlands-events.com/XMAS.htm or call Nelson at 909-533-1357.