An inflatable unit is a giant balloon made of lightweight, durable material and filled with air or helium. These inflatables are usually shaped like cartoon characters, animals, holiday icons, or themed designs. Inflatables are guided down the parade route by a group of volunteers from a sponsoring or connected organization. These inflatable handlers walk underneath or beside the balloon, using ropes to guide and stabilize it as it moves along the route. Inflatables add height, color, and a sense of wonder, often becoming some of the most recognizable and crowd-pleasing elements of a parade.

A marching band unit is a coordinated group of instrumental musicians—often including brass, woodwinds, percussion, and sometimes a color guard—who perform music as they march. They typically wear matching uniforms, follow a set marching style, and keep in step with the drumline. Marching bands add energy, rhythm, and excitement to a parade, often playing upbeat songs, school fight songs, or patriotic music. (Band units are organized high school or college bands. If you have a band unit not affiliated with a high school or college, please apply in the Specialty category.)

A specialty unit is a diverse parade category that includes groups with special talents, themes, or performances that don’t fall under standard classifications like bands, floats, or equestrian units. These may include dance troupes, fitness teams, cultural or heritage groups, youth clubs, performance ensembles, mascots, charity organizations, and other community groups. Specialty units add variety, creativity, and personality to the parade by showcasing the wide range of interests and talents within the community.

A parade float unit is an elaborately decorated 3-D figure or scene mounted on a trailer, platform, or vehicle that showcases a particular theme, organization, holiday message, or creative concept. The general shape of the float is such that the underlying structure is not visible, and the figure or scene appears to float on the surface. Floats often feature artwork, props, banners, and sometimes people riding or performing on them. Parade floats are pulled by vehicles or tractors, and some may be self-propelled. Floats add color, storytelling, and visual excitement to the parade.

An Equestrian Unit is a parade entry made up of horses and their riders. Units are made up of individual riders, horse hitches, multi-horse units, or a mix of walkers and riders. These units often wear coordinated outfits or uniforms, and the horses may be groomed and decorated for the event. Depending on the group, the riders might perform formations, carry flags, or simply ride in a line. Equestrian units add tradition, beauty, and movement to a parade, and they often reflect the local equine community, and historical or cultural heritage.