Opening Day Parade

(Last Updated: Feb. 27, 2026)
The annual Smyrna Little League "Opening Day" Parade and Opening Ceremonies are a tradition that dates back nearly 50 years. Every Spring, each team in the park decorates a truck and travels through Smyrna streets from Campbell Middle School (CMS) to Brinkley Park for the season's opening ceremonies. It's truly a memorable experience for everyone.

2026 Timeline:

PARADE:
7:00 - 7:15 AM: Trucks arrive at CMS gym parking lot and line up by division (oldest divisions closest to school)
7:15 - 7:45 AM: Donut Pickup (if pre-ordered - see note below) from the parking spaces at the front of the large CMS lot
7:25 - 7:30 AM: Player Arrival at Trucks
7:30 - 8:00 AM: Truck Decoration
8:00 - 8:15 AM: Parents Departure from CMS
8:15 - 8:30 AM: Lot Cleanup by Teams/Volunteers
8:30 AM (sharp): Parade Truck Departure from CMS (oldest -> youngest divisions)
8:30 - 9:00 AM: Parade from CMS to Brinkley Park
9:00 - 9:15 AM: Team members escorted (by coaches) from parade vehicles to Hambrick Field for Opening Ceremonies

OPENING CEREMONIES
9:15 - 9:45 AM
Hambrick Field**
- Team entry: Left field gate (adjacent to Registration building & equipment shed)
- Lineup: Oldest teams (Majors) start on 1st base/RF side -> Youngest (TB) on 3rd base/LF side
**Note new location in 2026!

Things to Know

PARADE:
- WHAT TO WEAR: Players should wear their baseball cap and jersey. It is usually cold, so consider wearing a sweatshirt or other layers underneath for warmth. They may wear baseball pants or sweatshirts, but absolutely NO cleats in the vehicles. Please ensure players are in secure shoes with good traction.

- DONUTS: It's a tradition for teams to order donuts (deadline: Mar. 10) each season to enjoy while decorating the trucks. Donut orders must be placed (typically by team parents, but anyone may order!) and paid for by Tuesday, March 10th. The donuts will be distributed to team parents in the parking spaces adjacent to the front of the building (in the same parade lot) between 7:15 and 7:45 AM.

- TRUCK DECORATIONS: SLL, Cobb County Schools and the City of Smyrna prohibit any items that could move off a moving vehicle, which includes (but is not limited to): streamers, fringe, latex balloons, or any other loose/dangling decorations. It's recommended teams utilize banners, magnets or decor that can be firmly attached to the truck. Trash bags will be distributed to each truck upon arrival to the lot, and we expect all teams to clean up their areas before departing the school.

- TRUCK RIDERS & SAFETY: Only coaches and designated parents will ride with players in the parade truck. All other family members should find a location along the parade route to cheer on their player. Players may not throw anything from the vehicle, and any items worn by the players (necklaces, sunglasses, etc.) must remain inside the vehicle at all times. Please also ensure baseball caps are secure on your player - many end up on the side of Atlanta Road during the ride to the park!

OPENING CEREMONIES:

BEFORE THE PARADE:
- COACHES/TEAM PARENTS:
... will escort the players from the parade vehicles to the field for Opening Ceremonies
... will be the only adults permitted on the field prior to the ceremony
... will enter the field from the left field gate and lineup in the outfield.
... will ensure the oldest teams are on the 1B/RF side of the field, while the youngest players will be found closer to the 3B/LF side.

- PARENTS:
...are not permitted on the field until after the ceremony
... will only be permitted to access the field via the left field / outfield gate to connect with their child. No access will be available via the infield gates.
... may sit in the stands that surround the field (first base, third base and the outfield all have seating areas). The field can be viewed from everywhere except directly behind home plate, which is one of the reasons we are utilizing it this season.

AFTER THE PARADE:
- TB, PW and RK players will remain in place in the outfield, and the parents may enter via the left field gate to pick them up following the conclusion of the ceremony.
- Please ensure your coaches know when you are picking up your child to ensure everyone is accounted for.
- AA and older players will be dismissed by their coaches after the ceremony. Cook Field is the recommended pickup point for all of these coaches/families.

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