Parade Rules

2009 Springfield Christmas Parade Rules

Parade Date: Saturday - December 5, 2009, Parade start time 2:00 p.m.

Planning your entry:

1. Entries must reflect a Holiday theme, or the theme chosen by the parade committee – “A Holiday for Heroes”.
2. NO OTHER SANTA IS ALLOWED.  Santa Claus and his sleigh are provided by the committee.
3. Entries may be historical, humorous, or modern in design, as long as they are in good taste. Remember a large part of the audience will be children.
4. Please identify only the sponsor(s) and/or builder of your float/entry. No other advertising is permitted.
5. Floats may not exceed ten (10) feet in width and 13.5 feet in height.
6. Entries may use sound amplification for musical purposes, but not for addressing the audience—no speeches/campaigning please! Music/sound/public address amplification systems must be no louder than 80-90 decibels.
7. The Parade will be held RAIN OR SHINE. Dress warm, be safe & have fun!

Before the Parade--Staging Area Opens at 10 a.m. Staging area is Olympic Street between 21st & 28th.

1. Each entry will be assigned a number that is your place in the line-up. The number and a confirmation will be mailed to you after the deadline (November 15, 2009) when all entries have been collected.
2. You are responsible for notifying all of your participants of your number to avoid confusion locating your entry in the line-up.
3. Numbers on stakes will mark all entries along Olympic Street and in adjacent staging areas. Traffic on Olympic Street will be one-way (west bound) from 28th Street to 21st Street. ENTRY INTO THE PARADE LINEUP WILL BE FROM 28TH STREET ONLY.
4. Olympic Street will be limited to floats/entries and traffic dropping off material or people. No parking permitted.
5. Roll call of all units will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., once this is complete, any unit that has not arrived will be eliminated from the parade. Parade will start promptly at 2:00 p.m.

Judging

1. Judges will evaluate the entry’s interpretation of the parade theme. 
2. All entries (except marching and equestrian units) will be judged at 12:45 p.m. Entries not ready will not be judged.
3. Marching and equestrian units must be in place at 1:30 the day of the parade. Judging of marching and equestrian units will be during the parade at the reviewing stand at 14th and Main Streets.

During the Parade

1. For the safety of all, no materials may be thrown along the parade route. This includes candy, flyers, literature, etc. However, walkers alongside entries may hand out candy. Violations of this rule will result in removal from the Parade.
2. Parade speed is a maximum of 5 mph. Entries who falter may be asked to step aside and let others pass.
3. All motorcyclists MUST wear helmets—DON’T RISK INJURY OR FINES!
4. Dress warmly and prepare for any kind of weather.  Bring extra blankets or warm clothing, especially for children.
5. Animal entries (Horses, etc.) – BE PREPARED TO CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR OWN ANIMALS.

End of Parade

1. At the end of the Parade please remember to pull off of Pioneer Parkway to disband.
2. Use “A” Street or “B” Street (either side) and pull as far away from Pioneer Parkway as possible so that other entries can pull off also.
3. DO NOT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET -- STOPPING HOLDS UP THE PARADE PROGRESS.

PLEASE NOTE: All entries must be received by Nov. 15, 2009. Entries must observe all applicable rules and regulations or be barred from the parade. The Parade Committee reserves the right to remove from the parade, either prior to assembly, at assembly, or at any time during the parade, any entrant not conforming to the rules and regulations or any entrant refusing to follow instructions of police or parade officials. The Parade Committee must approve all entries before entering the line-up. Failure to adhere to the parade rules may result in a one-year suspension from participation in the parade.