Frequently Asked Questions

Day 4 of Elf Hunting - Extra Hint

South side of Oakfield. Busy 4-way intersection around the mid-point of the parade route. The parking lot will be busy but there's a tree that today's elf will be hanging out in!

What is the parade route?

The parade will begin on Oakfield Drive and South Lakewood Drive at 5:30 pm. The parade will continue across Kings Avenue, and will end at Oakfield Drive and Vonderburg Road.

When are road closures on the day of the parade?

South Lakewood Drive from 60 to Brandon Parkway (3-7 pm) 

Oakfield from Lakewood to Vonderburg (4:30-8 pm) 

Vonderburg to Parsons (5-8 pm)

All of the "end" times are estimates. There is a possibility that roads might be closed a little longer, so please make plans accordingly.

If I am a participant in the parade, how do I get into the staging area?

If you are a vehicle or float that will be driving in the parade, you will enter the staging area from Brandon Parkway and S. Lakewood only. You must have your staging number visible on the driver's side of the windshield. HCSO will conduct a quick check of your vehicle with their K9 officers. If you are being dropped off as a walker or participant in the parade and the vehicle is already in the staging area, you will need to be dropped off at the Florida Orthopedic Offices parking lot at the intersection of Brandon Parkway and S. Lakewood and walk to your staging number in the staging area. The staging area is available for entry by participants starting at 3:30 pm and everyone must arrive and be ready for the parade start by 5:00 pm. No parade vehicles will be allowed to enter the staging area after 5:00 pm.

If we are watching the parade, where can we park?

You will be able to park in most business parking lots along the parade route, but please keep in mind that there will be road closures close to the parade start time. S. Lakewood from 60 to Brandon Parkway, will be closed by 3:00 pm, with access only given to parade volunteers, participants and emergency vehicles. Access to Oakfield Drive, from Lakewood to Vonderburg, will be closed by 4:30 pm. From Vonderburg to Parson will be closed by 5:00 pm. Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates - Facebook and Instagram - @brandonparadeoflights

Will there be food trucks or restaurants open/available along the parade route?

We are pleased to announce that we WILL have a Food Truck Park set up in the large business park on the south side of Oakfield, west of the US Post Office. Food truck categories are: shaved snow/desserts, burgers, Filipino/Ecuadorian, vegan, dirty drinks (non-alcoholic), grilled cheese, burgers, donuts, lemonade, iced/frozen coffee and more!

There are also restaurants along the parade route if you would like to place a pick-up order from them while waiting for the parade to start or dine in with them after the parade:

Pizza Rock (813) 657-7625
Campbells Dairy (813) 685-1189
Los Chapos Tacos (727) 247-3636

Thai Chilli Pepper (813) 438-8763
Allegria Italiana (813) 651-1166
Taste Of Berlin (813) 685-9392
Fajitas Mexican Grill (813) 324-8071
Al Madina Grocery & Deli (813) 684-7062
Beef O’Brady’s (813) 681-3428
Pin Chasers (813) 681-4783

If you plan to purchase tickets to the Winter Wonderland VIP Experience & Grandstands, we will have food and signature beverages available as part of your ticket price.

We ask that everyone either find a trash receptacle along the parade route or take your trash with you when you leave at the end of the parade to help get our community's roads back open to regular traffic as quickly as possible. Thank you for your help.

Will there be bathrooms accessible along the parade route?

There will be access to portable bathrooms along the parade route both on the North and South sides of Oakfield. Be sure to follow Brandon Parade of Lights on Facebook and/or Instagram for all details, promotions, and updates.

What kind of floats are participating in the parade?

For our Brandon Parade of Lights, we will have krewes, local high school bands, local professional sports teams, community dignitaries, local business owners and organizations, and so many more. The participants drive or ride in anything from a personal vehicle to a large float pulled by a truck.

Where can I find information about the requirements to participate in the parade?

Participation is closed. When sign-ups are open next year, you can view and/or download the Rules & Regulations before registering by visiting the "Participate" page. Be sure to scroll down past the participation options for the link.

Can I participate in the parade?

Please follow the parade's Facebook and/or Instagram pages for announcements for the 2026 participation registration dates. There are a variety of opportunities to participate. Please refer to the “Participate” and “Sponsor” pages of this website. The opportunity to participate in the parade will close on October 31.

How do I obtain General Liability Insurance to participate in the parade?

If you are a business entity (corporate or non-profit) your insurance company should easily issue a certificate to you. Please remember to include the names of the additional insured listed in the application. If you are a driving a personal vehicle in the parade, you can provide a copy of your auto insurance policy card with your application to participate.

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