Joining our Maple Festival Parade Party? Here's How

The Vermont Maple Festival parade is Franklin County's official start to campaign season. This year, David, Pam, and our organizing team are excited to unveil our Democratic parade group and join candidates from across Vermont at our after-party.

We're looking forward to joining you all on Sunday, April 26th rain or shine! Here's everything you need to know about marching in our Democratic parade group.

Preparing for the parade

Get out your comfy shoes! Temps will be in the 50s and skies will be cloudy.

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Street clothing is fine! Candidates should wear their preferred attire. Marchers are welcome to dress in costume (Spring, nature, or "pollinator" theme -- bees, butterflies, flowers, etc.). Blue ponchos are available for marchers as well.

The parade rules are simple: No throwing candy from floats / vehicles; any animals must be used to crowds and noise; no profanity on signs, floats, decorations, etc; no loud sirens or horns; and no aggressive behavior.

Joining the parade

Parade day is Sunday, April 26th. Marchers are assembling between 10:00am and 11:15am. We highly recommend parking in the Agri-Mark parking lot at 27 Lower Newton St. Our shuttle service will take marchers from Agri-Mark to the parade group assembly point from 10:00am to 11:30am.

If you'd prefer to drop your marchers off yourself, drive to the corner of Nason St & Lemnah Dr. Marchers can walk down Lemnah Drive. Drivers can find parking nearby on the street.

Finding our group

Our Democratic parade group has been assigned to Section 3. Signs and event organizers (red vests) can guide you to the section. Look for our Democratic banners.

Parade start time

The parade will begin at approximately 12:00pm. If you're late, feel free to join us along the parade route: Lemnah Dr → Allen St → Stebbins St → Main St → Lower Newton Rd (view map).

 
Joining the After Party

After the parade, feel free to swing up to "The Room" 14th Star Brewing Co. anytime between 1:00 - 4:00pm. That's where our parade group will be sharing food, drinks, and time to socialize, plus space to rest after a busy morning.

All campaigns, teams, and their supporters have been invited. So you can expect a casual meet-and-greet with local and state Democratic candidates.

So, to recap: Grab our shuttle at 27 Lower Newton St or drop off your crew at Nason St & Lemnah Dr between 10:00-11:15am. Then, find us in Section 3. We march at 12:00pm! And after the parade, stop by 14th Star Brewing Co. anytime between 1:00-4:00pm for food, rest, and a beverage.

It's going to be a great day at the festival! See you there.