In place of the annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, organizers are encouraging people to stay home and make their own parade floats.

The Belmont Shore Virtual Holiday Homebound Parade contest kicks off Tuesday, Dec. 1 and asks that people create floats with the help of family and, perhaps, socially distanced friends and neighbors. Prizes will be given out for the three most creative floats.

“The content should be the maker’s version of a holiday parade at home, safely with neighbors and people in their household,” said Dede Rossi, Executive Director of the Belmont Shore Business Association. “Points for creativity!”

Those entering the contest can post videos, photos or reels of their homebound “parade” on Instagram feed or stories, and must tag the Business Association’s Instagram account, @belmontshorelb as well as #homeboundparade. The BSBA will also accept entries by email via [email protected]. Contest entries will be accepted Dec. 1 through the 24th.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIQehCepvxf/

The top three most creative floats will be announced on Christmas, with winners to receive a gift card to their favorite Belmont Shore business. All entries will be accepted, but it’s worth noting, those ineligible to receive prizes include employees or owners of Belmont Shore businesses and public figures of the district, although all are encouraged to participate.

Throughout the month, the BSBA will be reposting entries on Instagram stories, and on Dec. 25, will post a slideshow of every entry received. Also on the 25th, that’s where the winners will be announced, so make sure to follow along!

For some ideas, inspiration or just to reminisce, here’s a few examples from past parades.

Kids play on the Lagoon Playground float before the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade in Long Beach, December 1, 2018. Photo by Kelly Smiley.
These three doggies travel down the parade route before it gets started during the 37th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade Saturday, December 7, 2019 in Long Beach. Photo by Tracey Roman.
Long Beach City College Carolers make their way down 2nd Street druing the 37th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade Saturday, Decemeber 7, 2019 in Long Beach. Photo by Tracey Roman.
Price Transfers float at the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade surrounded by snow in Long Beach, December 1, 2018. Photo by Kelly Smiley.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].