Forward Motion Parade:
- All entries are required to maintain a continuous forward motion during the parade.
- NO Stopping.
No Tossing Candy or Favors:
- For the safety of our children, nothing can be tossed from any of the units in the parade route.
- Any handouts of merchandise, fliers, food, etc. during the parade MUST be approved in advance by the Parade Committee.
Identification Signs:
- Identification signs or banners are encouraged for all entries in the parade. ·
- Signs must be for identification purpose only and not used as an advertisement.
Cancellation Policy:
- The parade will go on RAIN OR SHINE.
- If, for some unforeseen reason, your unit is not able to participate in the parade after being accepted, you must contact the Parade Committee, prior to the parade date, as soon as possible.
- Entries not in place on Parade day by 9:30 am will not be able to participate in the parade.
Marching Musical Units:
- Since this is a forward motion parade only, no stopping to perform will be allowed.
- Unit members are required to be in uniform attire.
Walking Groups:
- All walking groups must be in costume.
- Walking groups are limited to 50 walkers.
Specialty Units:
- Plain clothed marching entries will not be accepted
- Entries requiring vehicles to carry sound systems the Parade Committee 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.
Floats:
- All vehicles must be properly insured and drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
- Vehicle and float drivers must be able to have a clear view of the front of the vehicle.
- All passengers standing or sitting on the float should have handholds or support while the float is moving. NO jumping on and off while float is in motion during the parade route.
- Young children riding on a float MUST have adult supervision with and around them at all times.
Vehicles:
- Vehicles considered for entry must be antique or unique.
- A limited number of farm machinery or large trucks will be accepted by the Parade Committee.
- Vehicles permitted in the parade will be restricted in numbers, no more than 2 car clubs and clubs limited to 6 cars per club.
- Drivers must be able to have a clear view of the front of the vehicle.
- All vehicles must be properly insured and drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
Equestrians/Animals:
- A limited number of horse units will be accepted by the Parade Committee.
- Horses should be parade-ready as they will be exposed to a variety of loud noises, crowds and unfamiliar sights. 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.
- Any Equestrian riders under 12 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult trainer.
- If you are bringing animals with your unit, you MUST note this on the entry application form.
VIP/Dignitaries:
- Currently serving elected officials who represent the Montpelier/Hanover area will be invited to ride in the parade.
- Elected officials may not campaign for re-election, or for another office, nor hand out or display election materials.
- All VIP/Dignitaries should have signage visible identifying who they are.
Montpelier Days Sponsors/Commercial Businesses:
- Montpelier Days Sponsors are allowed to participate in the Parade as part of their sponsorship.
- Commercial business entries must be a Montpelier Days sponsor to participant.
- All units must be decorated and/or supporting the Montpelier Days theme. · All sponsor’s commercial vehicles (trucks, vans, cars)must be approved by the Parade Committee.
- All handouts of food items, merchandise or fliers must be approved by the Parade Committee in advance.
ALL ENTRIES MUST FOLLOW PARADE GUIDELINESAND SAFTEY PROTOCOLS or be subject to removal from the Parade.
- Comply with ALL Parade Marshal Requests.
- Do not throw candy
- Do not use air horns
- Do not hand out food items, merchandise or fliers without prior Parade Committee authorization.
- Do not jump on OR off any moving float or vehicle.
- Equestrian units MUST have a pooper scooper.
All entries will be reviewed by the Montpelier Days Parade Committee. Approval is restricted to those entries meeting the parade guidelines.
The Montpelier Days Parade Committee reserves the right to remove/deny any entry that does not meet the established standards. Understanding that participation in the Montpelier Days Parade is completely voluntary, I, the undersigned, agree to hold harmless the Montpelier Center for Arts & Education in the unlikely event of any accident or occurrence which causes or may cause damage or harm to yourself and/or your property and that of any others who participate as a part of your group or organization and those who may be participating in a support role of your organization and those who may be taking direction from yourself or other members of your group or organization. I understand that my group may be photographed, filmed or recorded during this event and that I/we grant absolute rights to the use of these photos and/or videos. I also affirm that I/we have read and agree to abide by the Montpelier Days Parade Guidelines.