The organizers of The Great Lisbon FARMERS FEED THE HUNGRY Parade are pleased to announce that HORSES will once again be part of the annual Lisbon Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2016.
The Lisbon Christmas Parade had become so successful, with close to 500 horses entered, that it overwhelmed the capacity of the small village of Lisbon to accommodate all the trucks and trailers. And so in 2015, organizers were forced to cancel the horses when the committee realized it just could not handle the numbers.
So, like a Reese’s peanut butter cup, organizers are merging the two equally successful parades, and since horses are a proud component of Maryland agriculture, the parade will maintain its new name – “The Great Lisbon FARMERS FEED THE HUNGRY Christmas Parade,” and it is now hosted by the Howard County Farm Bureau as a way to showcase agriculture.
For the 2016 parade, which will start at 3:30 p.m., horses will go first, followed by tractors (see website for more details).
Because truck and trailer parking is still limited, organizers are only accepting a maximum 150 equine entries this year. Entries are now open, and will close either when 150 equine entries have been received, or on September 30, whichever comes first.
In November, parade participants will receive a package that will include parking passes and maps. Saddle horses will park in one area; carriage and wagon horses in another area.
Organizers have streamlined the equine aspect of the parade for easier management. Parade entries will no longer be assigned a number, and will no longer have to line up in any particular order, making it easier for both volunteers and participants.
Tractors do not need to pre-enter. Tractors will have two rally points (see website for more details). Tractors will parade as dusk falls so their lights can be seen.
After the parade, all participants will be invited to the Christmas Village featuring the Manor Hill Brewery Beer Garden (a local Howard County farm business), bonfires (and ‘smores!), pony rides, live music, holiday vendors, and more. 
A parking area for horse trailers will be provided for those who wish to relocate and join the post parade festivities. A Fried Chicken & Ham Dinner will be available at the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department.
For more information, visit the all-new www.lisbonchristmasparade.com – and follow the parade on Facebook!
