For locals looking to get involved in the Barossa Vintage Festival, there's no party quite like The Parade.
Steeped in history and open to all ages, groups and businesses, The Parade – scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025 – is a true celebration of the unique and diverse Barossa community.
Registrations are now open and event organisers are encouraging community groups, wineries, schools, sporting clubs, businesses, individuals and organisations to get in early and register a float.
Festival Chair and Parade convenor Carla Wiese-Smith said participating in the iconic event was a prime opportunity for the community to come together and have some fun.
"The Parade is a truly show (and traffic!) stopping event that allows every single person in our community to be involved," Carla said.
"It's the one Festival event that really gives the region cause to pause for the morning – even in the midst of vintage – whether it's to jump on a float, help with road closures or settle in for a roadside picnic somewhere along the eight-kilometre route.
"The Parade embodies the spirit of the Festival; it's your place and your party, so come and join the fun," Carla said.
In 2025, The Parade will travel from Nuriootpa to Tanunda, finishing up at Tanunda Oval with the official Vintage Parade After Party.
Harking back to Festivals of the past, the community is invited to gather to celebrate, socialise and have fun – with the parade floats on show for a closer look after the trek from Nuriootpa.
Apart from the sheer thrill of being part of The Parade, participants will also be in the running for a number of trophies.
Perhaps one of the most hotly contested and competitive categories is the Best Town Float, which pits Barossa towns against each other for the top title.
In 2023, this was taken out by Williamstown, and they're planning to defend the title.
"We are definitely in it to win it again," Williamstown Action Group's Lyn Venning said."Bring it on!"
Other awards on offer include Best School, Best Wine Industry and Best Sports, plus the inaugural Bill Biscoe Memorial Award.
"Bill's contribution to the Festival, as a former chair and in many other roles, was incredible," Carla said.
"He was a great font of knowledge when it came to the Festival's history, and we feel this is a fitting way to pay tribute to his dedication.
"Bill's contribution is a fantastic example of participating in local culture and volunteering for the benefit of the broader community – both of which are so integral to the Festival."
With the busy holiday season just around the corner, interested participants are being encouraged to register sooner rather than later.
"Registering is easy," Carla said.
"You don't need to have all of the details for your float organised just yet, but it helps us to get an idea of numbers and plan accordingly.
"We will ask for detailed float information closer to the Festival, once registrations have closed. Right now, it's just a case of making sure your name is on the list!"
There are two registration tiers for the 2025 Parade: community and not-for-profit groups and business/commercial entries.
Registrations are open now on the Barossa Vintage Festival website.
