FAQ

Q: How much does it cost to be in the parade?

Non-business entries are charged a $50.00 registration fee and business entries are $200.00. For more information and an application, visit https://www.catonsvillecelebrations.org.

Q: We are in the parade. What time should we arrive and where should we go?

A: Staging of all parade entries is on Montrose Avenue. We ask that parade participants arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. Frederick Road closes down at 2 p.m. and traffic gridlocks making it impossible to drive near Montrose Ave. Drivers should not attempt to enter Montrose Avenue from Frederick Rd. Please
refer to the check in map and directions under the parade check-in information tab. If you are dropping off parade participants after 2 p.m., you may want to drop them off near Opie’s Snowballs in the 1600 block of Edmondson and have them walk up the #8 Streetcar Path which is 1/3 mile paved trail.

Q: How do we “check-in” when we arrive at the parade?

A: The parade-entry “check-in” table is located at the corner of Tredegar and Montrose Avenues. The band check-in is at Park Grove and Montrose Avenues. Signs are posted along S. Rolling Road directing you to the appropriate check-in area.

Q. Should every member of our parade group go through “check-in”?

A: No, please pre-select one person from your group to handle the check-in process and obtain your space assignment and last minute instructions. Other members of your group should not go through check-in process. If you are just dropping off parade participants, do not go through the check-in line.

Q: We are in the parade. How do we get back to the beginning of the parade route?

A: We recommend that you plan on walking back to the beginning of the parade. Again, traffic is gridlocked before, during and after the parade and the fastest way to get around is on foot.

Q: At the end of the parade route at the Bloomsbury Center, where should we park our buses, vehicles and trailers so that we can load up after the parade?

A: Committee members will direct large vehicles, such as buses and trailers, to the parking area at the Bloomsbury Center. Cars and small trucks should use on-street near the parade terminus. Mellor Avenue, one block west of the Bloomsbury Center, has ample on-street parking.

Q: How is the order of the parade decided?

A: A group of dedicated volunteers, who are experts at producing parade events, decide the order. They mix the parade entries to ensure that musical units are appropriately spaced throughout the parade and entries are positioned in the parade to provide maximum entertainment. The parade committee tries to
accommodate all special requests.

Q: We have small children, seniors, costumed characters, vehicle that overheats and/or a busy schedule and need to be at the beginning of the parade. Can you honor this?

A: Approximately 90% of our special requests are to be placed near the front of the parade. Obviously, we can’t honor most of these requests. We will continue to monitor these requests, but please understand our situation and plan accordingly.

Q: I’m afraid that my float is too tall and may hit power lines. Is there a height restriction?

A: Yes, floats must be less than 13’ 6”.

FAQ