Findlay Market Opening Day Parade does not accept every applicant and reserves the right to accept or reject any Parade unit application. Parade participants/units must keep pace with the preceding unit. No stopping to perform or give interviews is allowed. If a stoppage to perform or give interviews (or any other non-emergency) occurs resulting in a gap in the parade, your unit may be removed from the parade and your unit will be banned from future Findlay Market Opening Day Parades.
The 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade will take place on March 27th, when the Reds face off against the Giants.
Applications are now CLOSED.
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade is a carefully curated event that celebrates Cincinnati's vibrant spirit and the excitement of baseball season. The Parade Committee is currently reviewing applications, and selections will be finalized during the first week of February. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status at the beginning of February.
Participation Guidelines:
Parade units must maintain the pace of the group ahead.
Stopping for performances, interviews, or non-emergencies that disrupt the parade flow is strictly prohibited.
Any violations may result in immediate removal from the parade and disqualification from future participation.
Schools
Applications for school units closed on December 3. Schools require additional planning time for logistics such as permission slips and bus rentals, so their process begins earlier.
New Policy: With the total number of parade units reduced from 180+ to 150, not all schools may be accepted in the future. Priority will be given to units with strong past performances or those providing awards, accolades, or links to recent performances.
What we are looking for:
Our top themes are Baseball, Cincinnati Icons, and Findlay Market. Strong entries include:
Parade-worthy, family-friendly units featuring noteworthy former Reds players
Units representing the people of Greater Cincinnati, such as Olympians, historical figures, or celebrated locals
Unique and exciting performances, such as dance troupes, circus acts, antique firetrucks, and horse units
Examples of past highlights include Olympians, Bengals Super Bowl alumni, and notable Cincinnati musicians. See past units: Parade Photos.
What we are NOT looking for:
Please consider whether your unit aligns with the parade’s standards:
No promotional vehicles: Wrapped business vehicles are not parade-worthy.
No political messages: We do not accept political units or campaigns, especially unseated politicians.
No inappropriate units: This is a family-friendly event celebrating baseball and Cincinnati culture.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
The parade is made possible through the support of our community. With annual costs averaging $300 per unit, sponsorships help cover expenses, such as, insurance, VIP travel, printing and more. While sponsorship does not guarantee entry, we offer special incentives for top-tier supporters.
General entries: Entries are not required to make a donation, but if you are a business/politician/organization (including non-profits) that has the means to cover the expense of having your unit in the parade (average of $300 per unit), it is strongly suggested. The cost of having you in the parade should not be shouldered by others if you have the means.
If you’re interested in sponsoring or supporting a major unit, please contact us directly at fmparade@gmail.com or insert your donation pledge to the Application Form.
Findlay Market Opening Day Parade does not accept every applicant and reserves the right to accept or reject any Parade unit application. Parade participants/units must keep pace with the preceding unit. No stopping to perform or give interviews is allowed. If a stoppage to perform or give interviews (or any other non-emergency) occurs resulting in a gap in the parade, your unit may be removed from the parade and your unit will be banned from future Findlay Market Opening Day Parades.
The 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade will take place on March 27th, when the Reds face off against the Giants.
Applications are now CLOSED.
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade is a carefully curated event that celebrates Cincinnati's vibrant spirit and the excitement of baseball season. The Parade Committee is currently reviewing applications, and selections will be finalized during the first week of February. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status at the beginning of February.
Participation Guidelines:
Schools
Applications for school units closed on December 3. Schools require additional planning time for logistics such as permission slips and bus rentals, so their process begins earlier.
New Policy: With the total number of parade units reduced from 180+ to 150, not all schools may be accepted in the future. Priority will be given to units with strong past performances or those providing awards, accolades, or links to recent performances.
What we are looking for:
Our top themes are Baseball, Cincinnati Icons, and Findlay Market. Strong entries include:
Examples of past highlights include Olympians, Bengals Super Bowl alumni, and notable Cincinnati musicians. See past units: Parade Photos.
What we are NOT looking for:
Please consider whether your unit aligns with the parade’s standards:
Sponsorship Opportunities:
The parade is made possible through the support of our community. With annual costs averaging $300 per unit, sponsorships help cover expenses, such as, insurance, VIP travel, printing and more. While sponsorship does not guarantee entry, we offer special incentives for top-tier supporters.
Major Supporters (Donations of $1,200+):
See previous years:
2022 - https://www.findlaymarketparade.com/2022-Meet-and-Greet
2023 - https://www.findlaymarketparade.com/2023-Meet-and-Greet
2024 - https://www.findlaymarketparade.com/2024-Meet-and-Greet
Supporters (Donations of $500+):
General entries: Entries are not required to make a donation, but if you are a business/politician/organization (including non-profits) that has the means to cover the expense of having your unit in the parade (average of $300 per unit), it is strongly suggested. The cost of having you in the parade should not be shouldered by others if you have the means.
If you’re interested in sponsoring or supporting a major unit, please contact us directly at fmparade@gmail.com or insert your donation pledge to the Application Form.