Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade Volunteer Registration

Parade Entry Chaperone High Priority

You must be 14 or older to volunteer for this task.

November 21, 2026

4:00 pm EST - 7:00 pm EST (At least 96 more needed)

Details

Position Summary:

Parade Entry Chaperones are assigned to specific parade entries to help monitor their group’s safety, organization, and movement throughout the parade. Chaperones ensure that entries stay together, follow parade rules, and maintain spacing along the route.

Key Responsibilities:

- Connect with your assigned entry in the staging area before parade step-off
- Help keep the group organized and safely together throughout the parade
- Ensure participants follow all parade guidelines (e.g., no throwing candy, keeping pace)
- Serve as a point of contact between parade organizers and the entry if issues arise
- Assist with crowd control and spacing as needed
- Walk the entire parade route, through disassembly, with your assigned group

Qualifications:

- Must be at least 16 years old
- Comfortable walking .75 - 1 miles at a slow to moderate, yet steady pace
- Responsible, observant, and able to manage small groups in a public setting
- Friendly and approachable with strong communication skills
- Ability to respond calmly to minor emergencies or logistical issues

Additional Information:

- Dress for the weather – the event takes place outdoors, rain, snow or shine
- Safety vest and identification badge will be provided

A brief orientation will be provided prior to the event

Ideal for teachers, scout leaders, parents, or community-minded individuals

By volunteering as a Parade Entry Chaperone, you’re helping ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants and spectators alike—thank you for supporting this cherished holiday tradition!

Parade Line-up Volunteer Low Priority

↑ Back to Top

You must be 14 or older to volunteer for this task.

November 21, 2026

2:30 pm EST - 5:30 pm EST (At least 15 more needed)

Details

Position Summary:

Line-Up Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and timely organization of parade participants before the parade begins. This position involves helping parade entries find their assigned spot, answering basic questions, and keeping the line-up area safe and orderly.

Key Responsibilities:

- Greet parade participants as they arrive at the staging area
- Assist entries in locating their designated line-up position
- Help maintain a smooth flow of traffic and pedestrian movement in the staging area
- Communicate any issues or concerns to the Parade Coordinator
- Answer general questions and provide directions when needed
- Ensure participants are ready and in place for the parade step-off
- Maintain a positive, friendly, and professional attitude

Qualifications:

- Must be at least 16 years old (or accompanied by an adult if younger)
- Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods
- Good communication and problem-solving skills
- Ability to stay calm in a busy or crowded environment
- Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions

Additional Information:

- Dress for the weather – the event takes place outdoors, rain, snow or shine
- Safety vest and identification badge will be provided

A brief orientation will be provided prior to the event

If you're enthusiastic about community events, enjoy working with people, and want to be part of a beloved holiday tradition, we’d love to have you on our team!

Location

Meet at the corner of Newberry and Division Ave.

Parade Corner Marshal High Priority

↑ Back to Top

November 21, 2026

4:00 pm EST - 7:00 pm EST (At least 8 more needed)

Details

Position Summary:

Corner Marshals are stationed at key intersections along the parade route to help ensure the safety of spectators and participants. They play a vital role in crowd control, traffic monitoring, and keeping the parade route clear for entries. Corner Marshals act as the “eyes and ears” of the event along the route.

Key Responsibilities:

- Monitor assigned corner or intersection along the parade route
- Prevent spectators from entering the street or interfering with parade entries
- Alert parade staff to any safety concerns, medical issues, or emergencies
- Assist with maintaining clear access for emergency vehicles, if needed
- Provide basic directions or information to spectators when asked
- Remain at your assigned post until parade conclusion and dismissed by event staff

Qualifications:

- Must be at least 16 years old
- Reliable, alert, and able to stand for the duration of the parade
- Comfortable giving direction and interacting with the public
- Calm under pressure and able to respond appropriately to safety issues
- Able to communicate clearly with parade staff (radio or cell phone)

Additional Information:

- Dress for the weather – the event takes place outdoors, rain, snow or shine
- Safety vest and volunteer badge will be provided
- Corner locations will be assigned before the event

Orientation and safety briefing will be provided prior to the event

Ideal for individuals interested in public safety, events, or community service

Being a Corner Marshal is a great way to support the community and help keep the Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade fun, festive, and safe for everyone!

Parade Disassembly Volunteer High Priority

↑ Back to Top

At least 9 more volunteers needed.

Details

Position Summary:

Disassembly Volunteers play an important role in ensuring parade entries safely and efficiently exit the parade route at the conclusion of the event. This position involves directing floats, vehicles, walking groups, and other parade participants to the designated disassembly area on Scribner Ave. and helping keep the area safe, organized, and moving.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct all parade entries to continue across the Pearl Street Bridge and turn north onto Scribner Ave.
Ensure parade entries do not stop or begin disassembling at Pearl St. and Monroe Ave.
Remind participants that all entries MUST proceed to the designated disassembly area on Scribner Ave. with no exceptions
Help maintain a steady and safe flow of vehicles, floats, and pedestrians through the disassembly area
Assist participants with directions and general questions
Help prevent vehicles or parade entries from blocking intersections, the bridge, or active travel areas
Communicate any issues, concerns, or participants refusing to follow instructions to the Parade Coordinator or designated event staff
Work closely with other volunteers, parade staff, and law enforcement as needed
Maintain a positive, friendly, and professional attitude

Qualifications:

Must be at least 16 years old (or accompanied by an adult if younger)
Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods
Good communication and problem-solving skills
Comfortable providing clear directions to drivers and parade participants
Ability to stay calm in a busy or crowded environment
Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions

Additional Information:

Dress for the weather – the event takes place outdoors, rain, snow or shine
Safety vest and identification badge will be provided
Volunteers should never stand directly in front of or approach moving vehicles or floats
Parade entries may not disassemble until reaching the designated Scribner Ave. disassembly area

A brief orientation will be provided prior to the event.

If you're enthusiastic about community events, comfortable helping keep things organized, and want to be part of a beloved holiday tradition, we’d love to have you on our team!