2026 Theme

2026 Blount County Jaycees Christmas Parade Rules

1. Early registrations must be received by Sunday, November 1, 2026. All others will be considered late and subject to a late fee of $20.00. No entry will be accepted after Monday, November 30, 2026 (online only).

2. The Blount County Jaycees (DBA Blount Area Jaycees), Inc. reserves the right to refuse any entry at any time for any reason.

3. All entries must be registered, have a completed application, and have all fees paid before the final application deadline of Monday, November 30, 2026 (online only), before being allowed in the parade line-up. Online applications will remain open until November 30, 2026.

4. All entries, regardless of type, must include some form of Christmas decorations, such as bows, wreaths, lights, or other parade theme items. This year's theme, "The Reason for the Season," encourages participants to showcase faith, family, generosity, holiday traditions, and the spirit of giving through their entries.

5. Only one Santa Claus or Santa likeness is permitted in the parade. The Blount County Jaycees, Inc. will provide the official Santa Claus.

6. Entries should begin lining up at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2026. The parade will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.

7. Due to the conditions of the parade route, some types of vehicles may not be accepted because of potential safety risks.

8. All entries must comply with state and local traffic laws and meet state insurance requirements.

9. All drivers of parade vehicles, including four-wheelers, must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid driver's license, and carry proof of insurance on the day of the parade.

10. All tractor trailers (semis) must provide proof of licensing and at least $1 million in liability insurance on the specific tractor trailer. Coverage must include individuals riding on or around the trailer and an additional insured clause listing New Midland Plaza, West 2 East Land, L.P., Wood Properties, Inc., and the Commerce Group. Proof of insurance must be submitted to New Midland Plaza management at least one week before the parade.

11. No vendors are permitted along the parade route or in New Midland Plaza. This includes selling food, toys, crafts, inflatable items, or other merchandise from bicycles, booths, vehicles, or shopping carts. Individuals found selling items without authorization will be subject to fines.

12. No posters, flyers, or handouts may be distributed within New Midland Plaza.

13. Horses: All horses must be diapered before the parade begins, or participants must provide a pooper-scooper. Horses should arrive early. Horse trailers should park in the former Alcoa Utility Building lot, and horses should graze or wait in the adjacent field. Riders under the age of 10 may participate if accompanied by an adult.

14. Motorcycles: Each motorcycle requires an individual entry fee. Four motorcycles will be lined up per 20-foot section. Motorcycle entries must belong to an official motorcycle or riding club.

15. Four-Wheelers: Each four-wheeler entry costs $10.00 and must be part of a recognized four-wheeler riding club. Absolutely no reckless behavior is permitted. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid driver's license, and provide proof of insurance on parade day. Reckless operation of any vehicle is subject to ticketing by law enforcement. Passengers must be at least 10 years of age, and the operator assumes full responsibility for driver and passenger safety.

16. In the event of inclement weather, including rain, snow, or sleet, a decision will be made by 10:00 a.m. on parade day or announced on Facebook. Updates may also be obtained by calling (865) 973-9945. The scheduled rain date is Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

17. The official parade line-up will be established by the Blount County Jaycees, Inc. and published in The Daily Times by Friday, December 11, 2026.

18. Candy may be handed out along the parade route but must cease before reaching the designated parade ending point near Amburn's Market in downtown Maryville. Candy distribution is not permitted beyond the designated ending point.

19. Any returned checks for parade entry fees will be assessed a $30.00 fee.

20. The parade will begin at the staging area on Joule Street in Alcoa, crossing Calderwood Street into New Midland Plaza Shopping Center and exiting at Gill Street. The parade will turn right onto Calderwood Street before entering Maryville on Cusick Street and turning right onto Broadway Avenue. For 2026, the parade will conclude near Amburn's Market in downtown Maryville, turning left beside McCammon-Ammons Funeral Home. The parade will no longer continue in front of the Maryville Municipal Building due to traffic pattern and safety concerns. All entries must follow the designated route and instructions from parade officials and law enforcement.

21. All side streets connecting to the parade route will be closed to traffic during the event. Spectators are encouraged to view the parade from sidewalks along the designated route. Parking lots along Broadway that are located on the parade route will be inaccessible while the parade is passing. Participants and spectators should plan accordingly and follow all directions from parade officials and law enforcement.

PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF THESE RULES FOR YOUR REFERENCE.