Stuart Christmas Parade Night Of Information

Parade Command Center: 772-286-1844
Call immediately if a child is lost or found.

Reuniting Locations

• Start of Parade: Smithfield Plaza – SE Ocean  Blvd & SE Monterey Rd (Sign-In Table)
• End of  Parade: Band Shell – SE Ocean Blvd  & SE Georgia Ave (Disband Area)

        The Command Center will direct which location to use for reunification.

If You Find a Lost Child

1. Stay  with the child and keep them calm.
2. Contact  the Command Center (772-286-1844) immediately. 
3. Provide:
   1. Child’s description (age, clothing, name if known)
   2. Your location
4. Wait for event staff or law enforcement to escort the child to a reuniting location.

      Do not move the child unless instructed. 

If a Parent Reports a Missing Child

1. Direct them to contact the Command Center.
2. Command  Center will coordinate with staff to locate the child.
3. The parent/guardian will be directed to the proper reuniting location.
4. Valid photo ID is required before the child is released.

Release & Documentation

• Only authorized staff, law enforcement, or Command Center personnel may release      a child.
• Verify parent/guardian ID and record:
  • Parent/Guardian name
  • Child’s name and age
  • Time/location of reunification
  • Staff completing release

    

Important Reminders

• Stay calm, communicate clearly, and act quickly.
• Always notify the Command Center for any lost/missing child situation.
• All incidents must be reported and documented.
• Unclaimed children will be transferred to law enforcement for continued care

 Float Check-In:
All floats will report beginning at 4:00 PM to SE Monterey Road & SE Kingswood Terrace, Stuart. Upon arrival, please check in with the attendant.

• Floats are organized in the order they arrive.
• Floats with walking or marching members will be merged at the parade start area.
  • All walkers/marchers must report to Smithfield Plaza, 2175 SE Ocean Blvd.

Driver Information:
Float attendants will collect the driver’s name and cell phone number at check-in.

Parade Conduct & Safety

• Please remember we rely on gracious volunteers who are working hard to create a      safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Follow all directions given.
• Parade begins at 7:00 PM.
• All float drivers must be seated in their parade vehicles and ready by 6:45 PM.

Safety & Behavior Expectations

• This is a family event. No alcoholic beverages are permitted for the safety of      participants and attendees.
• Do not throw candy from floats.
• Be always aware of pedestrians at all times.
• Maintain  a safe distance between your float and the group ahead of you (float or walkers).
• Please collect and remove all trash before leaving. Help us keep the route clean and enjoyable for all.

Emergency Procedures

If you experience an emergency during the parade:

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Notify a parade volunteer (look for the Stuart Christmas Parade volunteer shirt).

Thank You

Thank you for your participation and support in making the Stuart Christmas Parade an outstanding community event once again. We look forward to another safe and festive celebration! 

Report Location:
Smithfield Plaza
2175 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart

Check-In Begins: 4:00 PM
Please report directly to the check-in area upon arrival. 

Each group will have an identified point of contact that is on-site with that information shared at check-in.

Group & Line-Up Instructions

• If you are walking with a specific float, inform staff at check-in so you can be      placed correctly.
• If you have multiple groups from the same organization (e.g., several school groups) and need to stay together, please communicate this at check-in.
• There is NO parking in Smithfield Plaza. Drop-off only.
• Follow signage for drop off and then exit the plaza.
• Restrooms are available via port-a-potties. Please do not enter local businesses for      restroom use.

Lost or Missing Children

If you have a missing or found child, report immediately to the check-in area so staff can assist and notify the appropriate team.

Parade Start & Timing

• The parade begins promptly at 7:00 PM.
• All walkers and marching participants must be in their assigned groups and ready by 6:45 PM.

Safety & Conduct

• Our parade is run by dedicated volunteers working hard to ensure a safe and      memorable event. Please follow all directions given.
• Use  marked trash cans to keep the staging area clean.
• Safety is our highest priority:
  • Stay aware of your surroundings,
  • Watch for moving vehicles and floats,
  • Always remain with your group.
  • If you see something, say something!

    

Questions or Assistance

If you need help, look for a Stuart Christmas Parade volunteer wearing event shirts or visit the check-in area.

Thank You

Thank you for your participation and support in making the Stuart Christmas Parade another safe, festive, and unforgettable community event! 

Thank you for dedicating your time to support and assist with this year’s parade. Your efforts help create a safe, memorable, and enjoyable event for our entire community.

Volunteer Check-In

VNA Offices
2400 SE Monterey Road, Stuart

• Please report to the main volunteer check-in unless your area leader has already      confirmed your arrival.
• If your leader has accounted for you, you may go directly to your assigned area      and check in with them there.

Arrival & Staffing Times

• Volunteers begin arriving at 3:30 PM.
• All areas should be fully staffed by 4:00 PM.
• The parade begins promptly at 7:00 PM.

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining a safe environment for all participants and spectators.
• Help keep the area clean by placing any trash you see into the nearest trash cans.
• Report any issues or concerns to your area leader immediately.
• In case of an emergency:
  1. Call 911 first,
  2. Then notify your area leader.

    

Equipment Return

If you have been issued parade equipment (safety vest, lights, radios, etc.), please ensure all items are returned before you leave.

Area Close-Out

As your assigned area clears out after the parade, please assist your area leader with packing up and tidying the area.

Final Note

Enjoy the event and have a great time!
On behalf of the VNA and our community, thank you once again for your time, dedication, and support in making the annual Stuart Christmas Parade a success.

The end of the parade will be located on SE Georgia Ave, near Stuart Middle School. This is a high-traffic area that requires steady movement to ensure the parade finishes safely and efficiently.

Parent Pick-Up Instructions

• Parents picking up participants should park in the Courthouse Parking Lot.
• A designated walking path will lead from the parking lot to the parent pick-up area.
• Please do not drive into the disband area, as vehicles must be kept clear for parade flow and safety.
• All traffic will be moving from SE Ocean Blvd towards SE MLK BLVD.

Safety Reminders

• Safety is our top priority.
• Be aware of moving vehicles, buses, and pedestrians at all times.
• Use available trash cans to keep the area clean and free of debris.
• The bus loop will be used for school transportation and buses picking up organized      groups—this area must remain clear.

Emergency Procedures

• In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
• If you see something concerning or unsafe, say something to a parade volunteer or      public safety official.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, organized, and enjoyable end to this year’s Stuart Christmas Parade! 

Parade Vehicle line-up is accessed by travelling northbound on Monterey Road.  

Law Enforcement Officers and volunteers will direct floats and vehicles on Monterey Road at Kingswood Terrace to enter the Vehicle Line-up.  Line-up starts at 4:00 PM.  You can make last minute adjustments to your float.  Remember, you need at least 1,000 lights!

Walker/Marcher line-up and drop off is in Smithfield Plaza across from Fresh Market, it is recommended that drop-off vehicles come from downtown via SE Ocean Blvd or via Indian Street to St. Lucie Blvd to SE Ocean Blvd in order to avoid Monterey Road. Monterey Rd. will be partially CLOSED and extremely backed up. Drop off begins at 5:30 PM and ends at 6:00 PM. Drop off has to be a quick process so that we can start the parade on time!

All floats, vehicles, and walkers must exit the parade route via SE Georgia Ave. please follow directions from our volunteers so we can keep everyone safe.

• Floats and decorated vehicles will be directed by volunteers to the bus loop or parking lots
• Walkers will be directed to the bus loop, through Stypmann to parking behind the Court House, or through Memorial Park - ONLY.  Walkers will not be permitted to go back Georgia Ave toward Ocean, and instead will be routed through Memorial Park to get back to the parade route.  This is for safety reasons and will be strictly enforced.
• Vehicles that do not need to disassemble or disembark will be directed straight through Georgia Ave. to Martin Luther King Blvd.

Judging will take place during the parade in front of the Grandstand, located just east of Hospital Road.

Bands and performers may stop in front of the Judges' Grandstand for 45 seconds to perform.

Awards will be announced immediately following the parade, on this website. Please check our Facebook pages and/or websites for winning floats and bands!

www.facebook.com/StuartChristmasParade

www.stuartchristmasparade.com

www.vnaflorida.org

Trophies will be available for pickup at the VNA office beginning on Monday, December 8th.

The Parent/Child Meeting Post will be located at the Stuart Bandshell on Georgia and East Ocean Boulevard, near Stuart Middle School. All children who stray from their parent or group will be safely escorted to the Bandshell to wait for their party to pick them up.  Find a law enforcement officer or Parade volunteer immediately if this occurs.

School bands are permitted to do up to a 45 Second performance in front of the Grandstand