Frequently Asked Questions

Honored Guests attending individually (not residing in a group home) should arrive at 6:00 PM.

To ensure a smooth, safe, and welcoming arrival for everyone, the following staggered arrival schedule has been established:

Honored Guests Schedule for Arrival

5:00 PM - ResCare / CAV Group Home 

5:15 PM - GoodLife Group Home 

5:15 PM - Shenandoah Community Residents Group Home

5:45 PM - Shen-Paco Group Homes and Shen-Paco Individuals

5:45 PM - SEARCH Group Home 

6:00 PM – Individuals 

We kindly ask everyone to arrive at their designated time. Directional signage and police officers will be on-site to assist with traffic flow and ensure a smooth arrival at American Celebration on Parade.

Dress your best! Whether it's a gown, suit, favorite outfit, or something comfortable that makes you feel special, we encourage every guest to dress in a way that reflects their personality and allows them to enjoy the celebration. If you need assistance with clothing for the evening, we're happy to help! Please contact Kim Cassford at kimcassford@gmail.com or 646-645-6164.

American Celebration on Parade is located at 397 Caverns Road, Quicksburg, VA 22847.

Police officers will be on-site to assist with traffic flow and direct volunteers and guests to designated parking areas. A complimentary shuttle bus will provide transportation to and from the parking lot and event venue.

Wheelchair Accessibility and Special Accommodations: Honored Guests and individuals requiring accessible drop-off or special assistance will be accommodated with direct vehicle access to the entrance of American Celebration on Parade.

Please follow the directions of police officers and event personnel to ensure a safe, organized, and smooth arrival and departure for everyone.

Yes! Guests who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges may be dropped off at the front entrance of American Celebration on Parade beginning at 6:00 PM. Directional signs and police officers will guide traffic to ensure a safe and smooth arrival.

The safety and well-being of every guest are our highest priorities. In the event of an emergency, our event team will respond promptly, contact the parent or caregiver using the emergency contact information provided during registration, and coordinate appropriate assistance, including emergency services if necessary.

Please ensure all emergency contact information is accurate and that you remain accessible by phone throughout the evening.

Parents and caregivers should arrive at American Celebration on Parade at approximately 9:15 PM. Police officers will be on-site to assist with traffic flow and ensure a safe, orderly pickup process.

 Yes! Restroom attendants will be available throughout the evening to assist guests with clothing adjustments and getting ready to return to the celebration. Please note that attendants do not provide personal toileting assistance. Guests requiring this level of support should be accompanied by a parent, caregiver, or designated support person who can provide the necessary assistance.

Parents and caregivers are welcome to accompany their child into the venue, see the celebration space, and help them get comfortably seated. Once their child is settled, we kindly ask parents and caregivers to proceed to The Yellow Barn to enjoy a special evening of respite.

Each Honored Guest is thoughtfully paired with a dedicated, one-on-one volunteer Buddy who will provide companionship and support throughout the celebration.

We understand that some guests may have unique circumstances requiring a parent or caregiver to remain with them. If this applies to your child, please contact our team in advance to discuss special arrangements.

Our goal is to ensure every Honored Guest feels safe, supported, and celebrated while parents and caregivers enjoy a relaxing evening with peace of mind.

We warmly welcome up to two parents or caregivers per Honored Guest to enjoy an evening of respite at The Yellow Barn. If more than two parents or caregivers wish to attend, please contact our team in advance so we can make appropriate accommodations and ensure a welcoming experience for everyone.

 Yes. All volunteers are required to complete a background check to help ensure the safety and well-being of our Honored Guests. Creating a safe, secure, and welcoming environment is our highest priority.

No! Shenandoah Night to Shine is completely free for our Honored Guests, their parents and caregivers, and all volunteers. There are no admission fees or charges for event activities, dinner, refreshments, or parking.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and community partners, we are able to provide this unforgettable evening of celebration at no cost to attendees.

 Volunteer arrival times vary based on assigned roles and responsibilities:

• Volunteers Without a Specific Assignment: Please arrive no later than 4:45 PM. You may be assigned to welcome and cheer on our Honored Guests along the Paparazzi Line or assist wherever additional support is needed.
• Buddy Volunteers: Please arrive no later than 5:30 PM to complete check-in, receive final instructions, and prepare to be paired with your Honored Guest.
• Volunteers Assigned to a Specific Committee or Team: Please arrive at the time designated by your Committee or Team Lead.

Please arrive on time. Every volunteer plays an important role in ensuring a welcoming, organized, and memorable evening for our Honored Guests.

All volunteers should report to American Celebration on Parade, where they will remain throughout the evening to support our Honored Guests and assist with event activities.

 Exceptions:

• The Yellow Barn Volunteers: Volunteers specifically assigned to The Yellow Barn should report directly to that location and follow their Team Lead's instructions.
• First Responders: First responders will provide support at both American Celebration on Parade and The Yellow Barn, moving between locations as needed.

Volunteers are encouraged to dress in festive, semi-formal attire appropriate for this special celebration. We want everyone to look their best while remaining comfortable and able to perform their assigned responsibilities.

Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended, particularly for volunteers who will be standing, walking, dancing, or assisting Honored Guests throughout the evening.

Please avoid jeans, shorts, T-shirts, athletic wear, and overly casual clothing. Volunteers should also avoid attire or footwear that may interfere with their responsibilities.

Our goal is for every volunteer to look festive, feel comfortable, and be ready to help create an unforgettable evening for our Honored Guests!

As a Buddy, you will be paired one-on-one with an Honored Guest, playing an essential role in making their Night to Shine experience safe, joyful, and unforgettable. Your commitment includes providing continuous companionship, supervision, encouragement, and support throughout the entire evening.

Your Responsibilities Include:

• Arrival & Registration: If you are not assigned as a Group Home Buddy, please arrive by 5:30 PM and check in at Buddy Registration before the event begins. Group Home Buddies will receive separate arrival instructions. Our Buddy Match Team will coordinate your introduction and pairing with your Honored Guest.
• Red Carpet Experience: Accompany or assist your Honored Guest down the red carpet and capture a special memory with photos beneath the photo arch.
• Dinner & Entertainment: Enjoy dinner together, dancing, and activities selected by your Honored Guest, including shoe shining, hair and makeup, limousine rides, and other special experiences.
• Continuous Supervision: Remain with your Honored Guest throughout the entire event, providing attentive companionship and support. If you need to use the restroom or briefly step away, contact your Buddy Team Lead to arrange for another authorized volunteer to assume supervision before leaving your Honored Guest. Honored Guests must never be left unattended.
• Departure: Your responsibilities conclude only after your Honored Guest has been safely reunited with and released to their parent or caregiver through the designated departure process.

Preparing for the Evening

Please arrive prepared for the entire celebration! We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, using the restroom before arriving, and being ready to remain actively engaged with your Honored Guest throughout the evening.

When Will I be Notified

Our Buddy Team will contact you by email, telephone, or text no later than February 1, 2027, with your assignment, arrival instructions, and important event details. Please ensure your contact information is accurate and monitor your communications as the event approaches.  If you are unable to fulfill your Buddy commitment, please notify us as soon as possible so we can make alternative arrangements for your Honored Guest.