You've bought the crepe paper, you've painted the dog, you've filled the supersoaker – now don't forget to register for the parade! It's the annual spectacle of area extroverts decked out in red, white and blue parading down Telluride's main street, while the introverts cheer and clap from the sidewalks. It's the Fourth of July parade.

Parade entry registration forms must be turned in before 5 p.m. on Monday, July 3, in order for an entry to be judged and to qualify for awards. Registration forms are available online at the Town of Telluride website or at the Telluride Historical Museum or Visitors Center. All entrants must pick up their parade entry number on July 4 at the Visitors Center between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Those who do not register may still enter the parade by arriving at the Visitors Center before 11 a.m. on parade day, but will not be eligible for awards.

When registering, entrants must choose one category for their entry. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in 13 categories: Best Decorated Kid; Best Decorated Baby (less than 1 year old); Best Decorated Wagon; Best Decorated Tricycle; Best Decorated Dog (on leash); Best Decorated Bicycle; Best Musical Group/Band; Funniest Parade Entry; Best Walking Group; Best Decorated Adult Float; Best Decorated Kid Float; Best Decorated Horse; and Best Decorated Vehicle/Classic Car. A plaque will be awarded to the Best of the Parade.

According to parade guidelines, performances in front of the judges' stand will be limited to one minute – so make sure your float/bike/wagon/child packs a punch. Parade organizers also ask that candy, and any other projectiles, not be thrown from floats for the safety of spectators, particularly children. Instead, entrants are encouraged to nicely hand out any audience goodies they may want to distribute while walking along the parade route.

The parade will be staged on Colorado Ave beginning at 10:45 a.m., and the parade begins promptly at 11 a.m. with a fly-over. The parade will make its way down main street to Town Park.

Parade category winners will be announced between 1:30 and 2 p.m. in Town Park, near the barbecue tents. Awards not picked up at the park by 3 p.m. may be picked up at the Visitors Center on July 5.