ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION:

  • ALL parade entries MUST showcase the parade celebration theme.

  • Entries applicants are all subject to approval by Parade Organizers.

  • Entries are selected on their entertainment value, uniqueness, size, and appearance.

  • The parade participants must “family friendly” appropriate to be seen by all ages.

  • The Parade will not be used as a platform or promotion for any special interests.

  • All vehicles used in the parade must be properly registered, insured and drivers must have proper license for vehicle.

  • Music is encouraged to accompany the entry.

  • This parade is presented by for entertainment purposes only. It is not designed as a forum for political, social, religious, or economic ideas or doctrines. Therefore, no such entry will be permitted. The parade committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine whether an entry is appropriate for this parade. The parade committee reserves the right to reject any entry if not in an established category for uniformity set forth in the guiding rules.

ENTRY APPLICATION FORM:

  • The entry application form must be completed and signed with an understanding of the general rules and guidelines. Entry application is available online and a signature on the waiver is required to be approved for the parade.

  • The parade organizers reserve the right to reject any entry at any time.

  • Applicants will receive notification of their acceptance within one week of receipt.

  • Staging instructions will be mailed approximately two weeks prior to the parade.

  • The rules and guidelines are for the safety and quality of the parade. Failure to abide by these rules and guidelines and those presented with the parade information package, may result in the entry's removal from the parade.

COMMERCIAL/BUSINESS ENTRIES IF YOU ARE NOT A SPONSOR OF THE PARADE:

  • A fee of $250.00 is required for commercial/business entries or the business must be part of the Parade Sponsorship Program.

  • A commercial business entry cannot be used as a “major” advertisement.

THIS IS A FORWARD MOTION PARADE:

  • All entries are required to maintain a continuous forward motion during the parade. There is a performance opportunity in front of the Main Stage for the Professional Judges who will be judging participants on a point system.

NO DISTRIBUTION OF FAVORS OR PRINTED MATERIALS:

  • Objects must be approved for distribution before the parade start. Objects must be handed out, and cannot be thrown, sprayed, or discharged in any way or at any time along the parade route.

IDENTIFICATION SIGNS. IF YOU ARE A SPONSOR WE PROVIDE AN OFFICIAL BANNER. SEE LEVEL OF SPONSORSHIPS

  • Identification banners are encouraged for entries in the parade.

  • Signs must be for identification purpose only and not as an advertisement or political statement. No phone numbers, addresses or websites listed please.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

  • Only a significant act of nature will cancel the parade, of which all units would be notified.

  • If, for some unforeseen reason, your unit is not able to participate in the parade after being accepted, you must contact the parade staff, prior to the parade date. We do not appreciate no shows.

  • Entries absent on parade day without proper notification may not receive future invitations.

MARCHING MUSICAL UNITS:

  • Musical units are requested to perform the one-mile parade route.

  • Unit members are required to be in uniform attire.

FLOATS:

  • Floats cannot exceed 50 feet in length (including tow vehicle), 13 feet in height and 10 feet wide. No big rigs.

  • Float entries must follow the “Parade Float Guidelines (see below).

  • All vehicles must be properly registered, insured and drivers must have proper license.

SPECIALTY UNITS: (Clowns, Color Guards, Drill/Dance/Baton, Scout Groups)

  • Units will be considered on their entertainment value or uniqueness.

  • Plain clothed marching entries will not be accepted.

  • Entries requiring vehicles to carry sound systems must notify parade organizers on the application. Carts or vehicles accompanying the entry must be decorated.

  • Drill / Dance routines must be choreographed for forward motion. No stopping to perform.

VEHICLES:

  • Vehicles considered for entry must be antique or classic or approved by parade organizers in advance.

  • Commercial business vehicles such as vans, tankers, farm machinery, tractor- trailers and other large vehicles may not be accepted due to safety concerns. Vehicles permitted in the parade will be restricted in numbers, no more than three car clubs and clubs limited to limited to 8 cars per club.

  • No commercial or private vehicles are allowed in the parade without prior written approval by the parade staff.

  • Drivers of any type of motorized vehicle must be at least 18 years old.

  • All vehicles must be properly registered, insured and drivers must have proper license.

EQUESTRIAN / ANIMAL UNITS:

  • No more than 6 horses per entry. No more than three equestrian groups will be accepted in the parade.

  • Any animal deemed unsafe in the parade will be removed.

  • All animal units must provide their own “clean-up” crew to follow their unit in the parade.

  • Equestrian riders should be at least 12 years of age and accompanied by an adult trainer.

  • All equestrian entries MUST have trainers walking with every two horses.

SPECIAL GUESTS / DIGNITARIES:

  • Guests and Dignitaries are by invitation only. Only elected officials, currently in office are invited.

  • No campaigning, no literature or handouts or no political signs urging the election or defeat of any candidate for political office or any initiative will be allowed to appear in the parade, including signs appearing on any person, float, automobile (or other vehicle) or any moving or stationary structure which part of the parade is.

  • The parade will provide an identification sign for the guest.

  • The invited guest must appear in the parade. No representatives of the guest.

PARTICIPANT AGE RESTRICTIONS:

  • There must be a least one adult escort for every six children under the age of 13 years.

  • Young children riding on a float must have adult supervision on and around them.