Dakota Days Parade Registration 2026

The University of South Dakota invites you to participate in the 111th annual Dakota Days parade. The theme for the Dakota Days 2025 parade theme is "Crafting our Coyote Legacy" (Add links to the storyboards with ideas of theme?)
Fields with asterisk are required.
Select your float Category *

Important information will be sent to the email listed

Important Parade Route information will be sent to the address listed 

What type of float do you plan to use? *

What is your plan to pick up after your horses?

Please provide detail on your float

Non-Walking Floats Only

Do you plan to have participants walking in the parade/giveaways/handouts?

Will this entry have music playing? *
$25.00
Picture of Dakota Days Parade Registration 2026

Please review the following parade details, rules, and regulations. Questions about this year’s event can be directed to dakotadays@coyotes.usd.edu.

Key Parade Information:

  • The parade will begin on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 9:00 am.
  • Check-in will be at the corner of S. Norbeck St. and E. Main St.
  • Check-in times will be between x and x. Streets will be closed at x.
  • Arrive at your designated check-in time. This will be mailed to you the week before Dakota Days.
  • Judging will be on the parade route.
  • The parade begins on the corner of Main St. and Prentis Ave. and ends at the corner of Main St. and Washington St.
  • You must create your own design and provide your own supplies.
  • ALL parade regulations listed here must be followed.

Rules and Regulations

  • You will be assigned a spot in the parade order by the parade committee when you arrive at the Parade staging area. All Parade assignments are final.
  • All units MUST complete the entire Parade route.
  • ABSOLUTELY NO CANDY OR FAVORS ARE TO BE THROWN FROM FLOATS OR VEHICLES. This creates a very dangerous situation for children running into the middle of the parade route with motorized vehicles. THROWING ANYTHING FROM A MOVING VEHICLE WILL BE GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL FROM THE PARADE ROUTE. Handing candy out is only acceptable if it is handed out by someone walking the parade route and not riding in a vehicle or on a float.
  • NO STOPPING ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE. The parade is a lengthy event, and we seek to make it run even smoother by providing a continuous flow along the parade route. Any group that stops along the parade route may be ineligible to participate in the following year’s parade. The only group allowed to stop is the Sound of USD Marching Band. No other entry may stop unless you are stopping because of the band.
  • All entries must be in good taste and are subject to the approval of the parade committee. If the entry does not meet these criteria, the parade committee reserves the right to refuse participation.
  • All animals must be supervised by adults at all times.
  • All participants with animals are responsible for the proper disposal of their animal's waste along the parade route and in the Vermillion High School parking lot.
  • Drivers of motorized vehicles must be 18 years or over and must hold a valid license.
  • All motor vehicles must carry proof of insurance. All rules of the road must be followed. Windows, mirrors, and lights must be visible on your vehicle at all times.
  • Drugs, alcohol and tobacco use are not permitted on the University grounds and along the parade route. If conduct is inappropriate, you will be asked to leave and you will be disqualified.
  • There must be identification of your group/club on all float and non-float entries.
  • No negative campaigning or personal attacks will be allowed in any way shape or form.
  • All parade staff, university, personnel, and student committee staff must be treated respectfully.

The committee reserves the right to refuse participation on the Day of the Parade for any groups in violation of the Parade Rules and Regulations. This could also result in your groups ineligibility to participate in the following year Dakota Days Parade.

Parade Registration Form:

Registration closes on September 25, 2025, at 11:59pm

  • All registrations must include the applicable registration fee. Fees collected for entries go to support all parade activities.
  • Student Organization registrations and USD departments and offices are eligible for a discounted rate, reach out to dakotadays@coyotes.usd.edu.
  • Parade registration spots will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis if registration numbers surpass parade capacity.