Want to be IN this year’s parade?
Please fill out the application and return:
Parade application 2024 If you have questions, please see the following FAQs. If you have further questions, please contact matthewsaliveparadeinfo@gmail.com.
Interested in SPONSORING this year’s parade?
Learn what’s included in the parade sponsorship plan
Then, contact Lee Anne Moore lamoore@matthewsnc.gov.
PARADE PARTICIPANTS FAQS
Thank you so much for participating in the Matthews Alive Parade. Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions from parade participants.
What time should I arrive?
If you are decorating a float, arrive no later than 7:30am. If you are a participant (band member, riding on a float, etc.), arrive no later than 8:30am. We recommend arriving a little earlier. Parade Crew staff will be there, happy to assist you.
How do I know find a Parade Crew staff member?
The Parade Crew staff will wear ORANGE Safety Vests with ‘PARADE CREW’ on them and they will be glad to assist you with any questions.
Where is the parade staging area and participant drop off?
The staging area & drop off location is 700 Crestdale Road, Matthews, NC, near Coveris Advanced Coatings. Turn onto Crestdale Road at Coveris Advanced Coatings, then turn into the 2nd entrance/parking lot on the left. You’ll pull around and drop off the parade participant there. Parade Crew staff will be there early parade morning if you have any questions.
Where is my organization in the parade order?
Please review this year’s Parade LineUp (coming soon) to find your position. To help with getting lined up, know what organization is immediately before and immediately after you in the lineup. That will help us get you lined up quickly the morning of the parade.
What is the parade route, and are any roads closed?
The parade route can be found here: 
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The staging area is highlighted in neon green.
I’m in the Shriners' portion of the parade, where do I go to get ready?
Shriners will unload in the staging area at 608 Matthews Mint Hill Road. Please be unloaded before 9:30am. You will be escorted thru town at 9:30am. Police escort will move your rigs/trailers to end of the route, and will be driven back to staging for Parade start—to make travel as easy as possible. It will take about 20 minutes.
Are there restrooms at the staging area?
Yes, there will be 2 Porta-Jons located at 608 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd next to the CATS Bus stop.
I’m in the parade – when my group gets to the parade end, what do we do?
Please do not stop your entry before you reach the Matthews United Methodist Church. All entries, in order to keep the Parade moving smoothly, must continue on to the main entrance of the church, and into the parking lot WHEN DIRECTED. Staff and Police will be there to guide you along as you pull in. Once you are stopped, your participants may then disembark. Do not disembark until you reach the church.
DO NOT WALK BACK THROUGH THE PARADE ROUTE WHILE THE PARADE CONTINUES!!!!
Where do I pick up my parade participant?
The pick up address is Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC.
How do I get to the pick up location if the roads are closed?
If you are driving to the Church—the end of the Parade—to pick up your participants, use Independence Pointe Parkway, taking it toward Target. Turn left at the light onto Matthews Township Parkway (Hwy 51). Continue to the 4th stoplight. Make a left at this stoplight onto Fullwood Lane. When Fullwood ends at the 2nd stoplight, proceed STRAIGHT into the Matthews United Methodist Church parking lot. Matthews Police will be at this ‘new’ intersection for direction. There will also be Parade staff at Matthews United Methodist Church, to help park and direct you.
I have some other questions not listed here – is there more information?
If your questions still aren’t answered, please contact email matthewsaliveparadeinfo@gmail.com.