The city of Suffolk is accepting applications from those who wish to enter marching/walking units, floats, specialty units, motorized units and animal units in its annual Christmas-themed holiday parade.

A $25 discount for early registrations expires Oct. 18.

The annual “Suffolk Holiday Parade” is scheduled for Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., and the deadline for applications is Nov. 1, 2013. The theme for this year’s parade is “Magic on Main Street.”

The non-discounted application fee is $50.

The parade will start on Washington Street, stroll down Main Street and end on Prentis Street. Judging for this year will be done from the parade’s grandstand. Units will have the opportunity to showcase the best of their organization along the parade route, with a stop in front of the grandstand.

Judging will take place in nine categories, with prizes available as follows: Best Marching Unit — non-band ($200); Best Animal Unit, including equestrian, ($200); Best Float ($200); Best Specialty Unit ($200); Best Motorized Unit ($200); Best School Band (1st, $300; 2nd, $200; and 3rd, $100); Best Non-School Band (1st, $300; 2nd, $200; and 3rd, $100); Best Themed Entry ($200); and Best Light Display ($100).

The Suffolk Division of Tourism is sponsoring a float-building workshop Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Suffolk Visitor Center. Call 514-4130 to RSVP. Pre-registration for the workshop is required.

For more information, contact Emily Upton, Suffolk Parks and Recreation special events coordinator, 514-7267, or at eupton@suffolkva.us.

Parade application forms are available through the city’s website at www.suffolk.va.us/parks.