4th Of July Midnight Parade Participation Form
First Independence Day Parade in the Nation
Please complete and return this form for consideration of participation. July 4, 2025 - Parade Begins at Midnight . Along with this application please submit any pictures and/or media that further describe your group.
All Groups Complete The Form Below
For Assistance in finding accommodations for groups, please contact Dian Stanfill at 865-436-0527.
In consideration of being allowed to participate in this special event produced by the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), we acknowledge that participating in municipal projects can be a hazardous activity, and assume all risks associated with this work. We waive all claims for damages against the CVB and against its officers, employees, and volunteers for injuries to persons or property, including death and destruction that may arise from this activity and release the Gatlinburg CVB and its officers and employees and agree to hold them harmless from any such liability.
You must read and agree to all Parade Guidelines listed below to participate.
Registration Fees
All Materials Must Be Received by the Corresponding Date and Time:
- 2025 Early Registration: January 1 - June 1: NO FEE
- 2025 Late Registration: June 2 - June 21: $100 FEE
Registration Ends: June 21 At 11:59 PM
After this time, applications will no longer be accepted.
Contact Information
Gatlinburg CVB, Events Division
P.O. Box 527
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-0523
Alt: (865) 436-0505
Email Events Team
Gatlinburg's Annual 4th Of July Midnight Parade
Official Guidelines
Complete Official Parade Participant Packets will be mailed upon determination of participation.
- Acceptance: All materials must be received in the Events Office by the corresponding dates and times listed at the bottom of the page. Applicants will be contacted by telephone or email with committee’s approval or disapproval. Parade Handbook will be emailed mid-to-late June with line-up number and staging location.
- Insurance Requirement: All entries must provide proof of liability insurance in the amounts of $1 Million Per Occurrence and $2 Million Aggregate AND name the Gatlinburg CVB as an additional insured.
- Lighting: Lighting is REQUIRED for ALL UNITS and ALL TYPES of Parade participants. Marching Bands are suggested to light up lead banner (if not each performer) with battery-powered lights or spotlights.
- Throwing Objects: The throwing/handing out of objects or materials is strictly prohibited as per City Ordinances.
- Integration: No Rolling Units (a unit with ANY type of vehicle) will be allowed to integrate from Little House of Pancakes/Parade Headquarters. You must proceed to Hwy. 321 and get into your assigned staging location.
- No Stopping: Units are NOT allowed to stop along the Parade route to perform. This will cause gaps in the Parade. This rule is strictly enforced.
- Disband: For your safety, your Parade unit MUST follow marshal instructions at light #10. All rolling units are to proceed directly through light #10 to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Only walking units are to turn right at light #10.
- Minimum Age: YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 12 YEARS OF AGE TO WALK IN THE PARADE - NO EXCEPTIONS. There is no minimum age for participants RIDING on floats and rolling units.
- Dress Code: Dress should be tailored around your theme/school and should all complement/be identical to each other.
- Laws: Participation in the parade in no way releases anyone from observing all laws and regulations in Gatlinburg.
- Horses: All horses MUST be diapered or MUST be accompanied by a pooper-scooper / manure attendant at ALL TIMES during your visit to Gatlinburg. There are absolutely no exceptions.
- Maximum Height: May not exceed 13 feet to clear overhead traffic lights and wires.
- Awards: Parade entries will be judged for awards. Additional information will be provided in the Official Parade Participant Packets.
Commercial Advertisement Vehicles: All parade entries must bring entertainment value to the 4th of July Midnight Parade. However, a limited number of commercial advertising vehicles will be allowed. These entries must be a Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Member, Chamber Business Partner, or be subject to a $500 advertising fee. To avoid this fee, please contact Jessica Webb regarding Chamber Membership at jessi@gatlinburg.com or (865) 436-0511.
SUBJECT TO CHANGE: Please note that aspects of our General Information and Rules are subject to change. You will be notified of all changes. Noncompliance with Parade rules may restrict current and future participation in the 4th of July Midnight Parade and Gatlinburg's Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. Furthermore, while the Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade respects and embraces America's diversity, our policy dictates that the Parade will not be used to represent any specific cause or special interest, no matter how worthy. Therefore, the Gatlinburg CVB reserves the right to make all determinations relating to participation in the Parade based on entertainment value and preserving the long-standing traditions of this event.