If you were given a Parade Entry Code, please enter it below. Otherwise, please continue to the form below.

Thank you for your interest in the Oktoberfest USA parades. The parades are a tradition as old as Oktoberfest, with the Maple Leaf parade beginning in 1961 and the Torchlight parade being added in 1971.

The Torchlight Parade is Oktoberfest’s illuminated event, bringing sparkle and lights to La Crosse’s Northside. Fantastic floats, marching bands, and unique specialty units combine to transform the quiet Northside neighborhood into a magical showpiece of color and excitement. The Torchlight Parade is limited to 75 units.

The Maple Leaf Parade is a Coulee Region tradition, heralding in the crisp, fall air and the turning of leaves of the Coulee Region. For over 60 years, thousands of families and friends get together, lining the 2.2-mile route in La Crosse with their lawn chairs, snacks, and refreshments as the 2+ hour parade winds through the city. The Maple Leaf Parade is limited to 100 units.

Here are a few things to know before you begin the application process

• As established in 2024, there have been changes to handing out items. Read through all of the information below.
• Proof of Insurance is required and must be uploaded at the time of application. If you do not have this document ready to upload, you will not be able to complete your application.
• Payment via credit card is required at the time of application. You must provide payment information or you will not be able to complete your application.
• In order to apply as a Non-Profit, your organization must be an IRS-designated 501c3 tax-exempt charitable organization. You will be required to provide your EIN for verification. All EIN numbers will be verified. Entering an invalid EIN will result in your entry being canceled and your fees refunded.
• The number of parade entries in the Torchlight Parade is limited to 75 units. The number of entries in the Maple Leaf parade is limited to 100 units. Due to these limitations, we may not be able to accommodate every unit that applies. If we are unable to accommodate your unit, you will receive a full refund.
• The regular application period runs through July 31st.
• The late application period begins on August 1st. Late applications will incur additional fees. 
• The application deadline for both parades is September 1, 2025.
• All parade entries, including floats and participants, are required to abide by the Parade Rules and Judging Information available by clicking here.   

About our parades for marching bands...

For the Torchlight Parade: Each marching band entry will receive a $300.00 stipend for participation. There is no performance judging of bands in this event. Each marching band entry is eligible for the top award, “Best Illuminated Marching Unit,” for the creative lighting of the marching unit. All units in the Torchlight Parade are required to incorporate the use of lights wherever possible. 

For the Maple Leaf Parade: Each marching band entry will receive a $500.00 stipend for participation. There is no performance judging of bands in this event.

The application deadline for both parades is Monday, September 1, 2025

2025 Parade Pricing*

Before August 1, 2025

After August 1, 2025

*Plus processing fees

The option to add additional vehicles to your entry is only available to Standard Units/Floats. If you have more than one vehicle, please indicate the number of additional vehicles below. There is a $100 charge for each additional vehicle. Enter the number of additional vehicles.

Please note: Due to insurance restrictions, parade units found to have unregistered additional vehicles will have those vehicles removed from the parade and may be prevented from participating in the parade. Units removed from the parade for rules violations are not entitled to a refund and may be banned from future parades.

Safety is important to any parade. Compliance is very important for the safety of all parade attendees and the other parade units. With that in mind...

Torchlight Parade - Thursday, September 25

• No samples or materials (including candy) of any kind may be distributed during the Torchlight Parade. 
• There will be a zero-tolerance policy! 
• If you distribute items in any way along the parade route during the Torchlight Parade, you may be immediately removed from the route and will be banned from participation for one year. If your organization is set to participate in the Maple Leaf Parade on Saturday, you will be removed, and your application fee will not be returned.

Maple Leaf Parade - Saturday, September 27

• No samples or materials of any kind may be thrown, tossed, presented, given, or otherwise distributed from the float/specialty unit/or in the streets while on the parade route. Any and all items must be handed directly to people at the curbs. NO EXCEPTIONS.  
• If you distribute items in any way along the parade route other than by handing out AT THE CURB during the Maple Leaf Parade, you may be immediately removed from the route and will be banned from participation for one year.
• Units removed from the parade or in violation of rules are not entitled to a refund.
• Please indicate below if you will be handing out candy, leaflets, or any other items.

Verification of insurance is required in order to submit this application. You may upload your insurance image or document showing proof of coverage below. Failure to upload proof of coverage will result in your application being discarded. Acceptable formats include:

• .jpg or .jpeg
• .pdf
• .png

Click here for a template to provide to your insurance agent.

Upon receipt of your application, the Parade Review Committee will review all submitted applications and make their selections. Line-up order is determined by the Parade Review Committee to establish variety and to ensure the even flow of the parade. The parade line-up order will be emailed to you and posted on our website two weeks prior to the parades.

The Parade Committee will notify all applicants, via email, regarding their acceptance into our parades. You will receive notice within 60 days of received application or by September 12, 2025 if submitted after August 12. If your unit is not accepted into the parade(s) you applied for, you will receive a full refund of your application fee. All notification will come from [email protected].