All entries must be approved. The City of Edinburg reserves the right to remove participants who do not follow parade rules or instructions from police and parade officials.

1. All parade entries MUST be in their assigned positions no later than 9:30 AM. Entries arriving after this cutoff will NOT be permitted to participate in the parade. The person signing the application must be present for float inspection.
2. The deadline for parade entries is Thursday, October 29, 2026.
3. Floats are subject to inspection in the staging area at Richard R. Flores Stadium. Entries must be in their assigned spaces no later than 9:30 AM.
4. Parade identification numbers must be displayed on the right side of the windshield and visible to spectators and cameras.
5. An adult must accompany children riding on floats. Participants are asked to wear attire appropriate to the parade theme.
6. Throwing objects or gifts to spectators is prohibited.
7. Participants should consult their insurance agents regarding coverage and must have proof of vehicle liability insurance.
8. All participants must act courteously, respectfully, and safely.
9. All parade entries, including equestrian groups, bands, marching units, drill teams, and performers, must follow the theme honoring servicemen and women.
10. Parents must arrange for participating children to be picked up at the Hidalgo County Elections Office parking lot at Peter Street and Closner Boulevard.
11. Maximum float height is 12 feet.
12. Submit a description or history of your entry with the application for use by parade announcers.
13. Political entries are $250 and will be placed toward the end of the parade. These include entries promoting candidates for elected office.
14. Veterans, school districts, and nonprofit organizations may participate free of charge. All other entries are $50.
15. No one may board or exit a float or entry once the parade begins. The approximately 1.5-mile route travels north along Closner Boulevard from Richard R. Flores Stadium on Mark S. Peña Drive to Kuhn Street.
16. The person responsible for an entry must have a signed copy of the parade rules at inspection. A signed copy must also accompany the application.
17. Loaded firearms are prohibited for all parade participants.
18. Smoking and beverages are prohibited on parade entries before and during the parade.
19. Marching units must be preceded by a readable banner or sign visible from 100 feet, including in adverse weather. The parade is held rain or shine.
20. Individual horseback riders are not permitted. Equestrian participants must ride with an approved group.
21. Floats will be judged on Creativity, Spirit, and Patriotism.
22. Competitive floats must be in their designated spaces for judging by 8:30 AM.
23. Please minimize unfinished decorations at the float staging area.

Show your patriotic spirit! Participating floats will be evaluated in three categories:

Creativity

Originality, imagination, visual presentation, and artistic elements that tell a meaningful story about veterans' service.

Spirit

The ability to inspire pride, gratitude, and community appreciation for veterans through meaningful displays and participation.

Patriotism

Respectful representation of national pride, military traditions, and the values of service and sacrifice.

Awards: Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Judging: 8:30 AM. All participants must be onboard at judging time.

Vehicles smaller than a pickup truck bed are not eligible for the float competition.

Creativity Ideas

• An American flag-inspired float with moving elements.
• A timeline honoring veterans from different conflicts.
• Handmade props, artistic structures, and animated displays.

Spirit Ideas

• Veterans participating in uniform or displaying medals.
• Students or community groups sharing patriotic messages.
• Tribute walls featuring veterans' names or photographs with permission.

Patriotism Ideas

• American flags and red, white, and blue decorations.
• Military branch insignias and symbols.
• Patriotic music, respectful salutes, and meaningful quotations.

Additional Guidelines

• All displays must be appropriate for a family-friendly event.
• Floats must not include political campaigning, commercial advertising, or divisive messaging.