MILITARY BOWL PARADE GOES VIRTUAL IN 2020

Registration is open now as eighth annual parade takes a new twist

The Military Bowl presented by Perspecta, benefiting USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore, today announced that the eighth annual Military Bowl Parade will have a new twist in 2020. Due to the global health crisis, this year’s parade will be held virtually.

“It is unfortunate to have to take this step, but this is the best way for us to continue what has become a holiday tradition for so many people in Annapolis and the surrounding area,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We invite all interested groups to join us for this new event as we celebrate the 2020 Military Bowl and our new presenting sponsor, Perspecta.”

The parade has grown each year and attracted thousands of spectators to the streets of historic downtown on gameday morning as the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, musical groups, civic organizations, military-themed groups and youth clubs walk the parade route to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

While that is not possible this year as everyone does their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the parade will move to a virtual platform.

The Bowl encourages past parade participants and new groups interested in joining the fun to submit a video up to two minutes in length. The Bowl will assemble the videos into this year’s parade, premiering online via various social media platforms on Sunday, December 27, the day before the 2020 Military Bowl. After the premiere, the parade also will be available to watch on the Military Bowl Foundation’s YouTube page.

Parade registration is open to all; however, for-profit businesses will be asked to purchase a $250 parade sponsorship in order to participate in the parade. (These businesses will receive a $250 discount off the 2021 Military Bowl parade sponsorship.)

Parade unit videos should be fun, creative, family friendly and community minded. The Military Bowl encourages all submissions to include one/all of the following:

  • A message of support for our nation’s service members
  • A group performance
  • A message of support for the Military Bowl and/or the Annapolis community

Videos should be shot horizontally (landscape) and can include audio. Video should be creative and personal — not an advertisement. Though not limited to this style, the Military Bowl encourages groups to think of this as more along the lines of social media content than a television commercial. Have fun! Remember, the Military Bowl Parade is an event for all ages to enjoy.

In addition, virtual parade videos should be created and filmed in a way that promotes social distancing. When filming the video, the Bowl recommends following the same rules that apply when out in public and be sure to follow all local and state regulations when filming. Groups should social distance and wear masks if multiple people are participating in a video. They also should consider gathering virtually to create content.

The Military Bowl will review all submissions to ensure they are in good taste and meet the Bowl’s standards. The Military Bowl reserves the right to edit videos for length and to accept or reject any video for any reason. All videos submitted become property of the Military Bowl.

To register for the 2020 Military Bowl Parade, visit https://militarybowl.org/parade.

The Bowl also benefits Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 290-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

For the latest updates, including announcements on ticket availability, visit https://militarybowl.org, follow @MilitaryBowl on Twitter and Instagram or like the Military Bowl presented by Perspecta Facebook page.