Delta Band Festival / Christmas Parade

2023 delta band festival and christmas parade!

December 1st starting on Corner of Main St and Church St at 4pm

parade entry 

We are calling all floats, bands, musical and dance groups, mascots, inflatables, beauties, civic and community groups, and other entries. We are encouraging a variety of musical entries to participate alongside our high school bands. That includes caroling groups, small ensembles, party bands, drumlines, gospel groups, etc.

Click HERE to view all of the entries who will be participating in this year's parade! Just to be clear, this is just the participating list and not the actual order that everyone will be lined up in!

To submit a parade entry, fill out the form BELOW or click HERE to download a copy to complete. You may also stop by the Chamber and pick up a form in person. FORMS ARE DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20th!

Must See Parade

It's been said that everyone loves a parade, and Mississippi's oldest and largest Christmas Parade in Greenwood is a must-see. It is held on the second Friday after Thanksgiving each year. Click HERE to download the parade route.

Parade Features

Celebrated for more than 80 years and begun by legendary Greenwood High School Band Director, Roy Martin, the Delta Band Festival/Christmas Parade in Greenwood boasts more than 25 high school and university bands from four states, an array of themed floats, decorative vehicles, mascots, beauties, and walking and performing groups. 

Fireworks will also take place this year, sponsored by the Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau. Fireworks will begin at 7 p.m. between the bridges on the Yazoo River. The CVB and Chamber encourage citizens to enjoy the fireworks display responsibly from their car and with members of their own household. Designated parking will be made available. 

Parade Line Up:

The parade begins PROMPTLY at 4 p.m. We will not wait for late entries to arrive.

The parade will line up on Main Street headed south and will begin in front of City Hall at the intersection of Main and Church Streets. It will turn north on Howard Street, and starting here, the route will be the same as in previous years. Line up will begin at NOON, and entries should not arrive prior to that time. When arriving for line up, proceed on Walthall Street to Washington, turn west on Washington and check in at the intersection of Washington and Main Street where you will be directed to your spot. Do not attempt to access the route from another east/west street and do not arrive prior to noon. The parade will begin promptly at 4 p.m.

REMINDER: For the safety of all involved – especially our children - please do not throw candy or other objects from your float or vehicle. You may have walkers PASS out candy and other trinkets to bystanders. Throwing things encourages children to run into the street, which poses a danger to all involved. Thank you!

Contact

For more information about this year's parade or to inquire about a parade entry, please call the Chamber at (662) 453-4152.

By submitting this form, you understand the following terms and agree to the following release:

Applicant/Entrant does hereby remise, release, discharge and forever acquit the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, and each and all of its agents, servants, insurers, privies, employees, employers, representatives, successors, assignees, affiliates, subsidiaries, attorneys and all other persons, firms or corporations who may in any manner be liable therefore (henceforth referred to as “released parties”) and each of them being the parties released from any and all actions, claims, demands and causes of action for participation in the Christmas Parade or Delta Band Festival.  In addition, the applicant/entrant has read and understands the Roy Martin Delta Band Festival/Christmas Parade rules and guidelines and will abide by those rules and guidelines.

Floats must not exceed a maximum height of 12’ from the ground.  A minimum of 2 adults per float is required. There can be no more than 3 motorized vehicles per entry. All entries must remain on the parade route until the parade ends. All entries must follow the set parade theme.  Floats will be judged on originality, use of theme, costumes, craftsmanship, community flavor and overall quality & visual impact. Nothing can be thrown to the crowd (candy, treats, etc) by any unit. 

No vehicles allowed in parade unless they are official Chamber vehicles or have been approved by the parade committee. Vehicles of a personal nature or that promote advertising will not be allowed.

Insurance is required for all float/vehicle drivers. Be prepared to present to police upon request.