Hats Off Day may seem far off in the distant future but planning for the annual parade is already taking place.

The Heights Merchants Association wants to remind people interested in taking part that parade applications are due on March 1.

The association has a creative criteria for parade participants, as they did last year, executive director Isabel Kolic told the NOW.

This means all entrants must include "a dynamic and entertaining element for all to enjoy," according to the application guidelines.

The theme of this year's event, which is scheduled for June 1, is the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

To be eligible, entrants must be a Heights merchant, a school or place of worship in the neighbourhood, a Burnaby non-profit or a cultural group with connections to the city, the guidelines state.

Non-profits not based in the city and national corporations that don't have competitors in the Heights will also be considered, based on what value they can add to the parade.

There are only 40 spaces available.

Applications will only be accepted online, according to the guidelines, and the applicants chosen to be in the parade will be notified by March 22.

For more information or to apply, go to www.burnabyheights.com/events/hats-off-day-parade.