PARTICIPANT MANUAL

General information

• Arrive on time.
• Take note of road closures and plan accordingly.

Parade route

• Staged on Hill Avenue, then past the Bijou Theatre, Tennessee Theatre, Krutch Park (your application script is read by the announcer here), and Regal Riviera toward Summit Hill.
• Disband near the corner of Gay Street and W. Magnolia Ave; volunteers will direct you.

Emergency plan

• Weather emergency before the parade: seek shelter in the closest parking garages along Hill Avenue, Blount Avenue, or Main Street. The parade will not begin until the emergency is lifted.
• Children: if separated, they should find a volunteer or police, medical, or fire personnel. Make sure they know the name of your group.
• Medical emergency: call 911, then find a volunteer, police officer, or medical or fire personnel.
• Physical threat: RUN – HIDE – FIGHT.
• Other needs: your parade day point of contact is in your lineup email.
• Your safety is our number one priority. Communication with your group on these safety measures is key.

Toilets & dressing

• Portable toilets are available near the staging areas.

Participant waivers

• Every person participating needs a signed release (Promotional Event Assumption of Risk, Liability Release, and Indemnification Agreement), including the organization name.
• Waivers come with the application and in your lineup email. Bring signed copies and give them to your parade volunteer before the start.
• A parent or legal guardian signs the minor waiver for each child.

Floats, appearance & decorations

• St. Patrick’s Day theme required.
• No overtly political messages.
• Decorate so both sides look equally good.
• The parade is NOT canceled for bad weather — use weather-resistant materials.
• No pyrotechnics. No sirens, bullhorns, or air horns. No alcohol on or in the parade route.

Unit size & safety

• Total unit length, including the towing vehicle, must not exceed 50 feet.
• Units larger than accepted, or with more people or vehicles, may be asked to leave without a refund.
• Wiring devices must be UL approved and in good condition.
• Keep 12 inches of clearance between a generator and combustible material.
• Keep a 4-pound dry chemical or 10-pound carbon dioxide fire extinguisher within reach of each driver.
• All units are subject to safety inspection.

Handing out materials

• Throwing candy, samples, or anything along the route is prohibited. Walk and hand items out instead.
• Violations may result in dismissal without a refund.

Code of conduct

• Follow all laws and regulations.
• Be courteous to officials, attendees, and other participants. This is a family-friendly event.
• No smoking and no alcohol in the lineup or at any time during the parade.

Drivers

• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and age 18 or older.
• Keep a good distance from the unit ahead and go slowly to avoid gaps.

Music & bands

• Music should complement the unit and not be disruptive; officials may control volume.
• No music from 12:00 PM until you step off onto Gay Street.
• Bands may practice until 12:30 PM.
• No sirens, bullhorns, or air horns.

Animals

• No horses (except KPD Mounted Units).
• All other animals must ride on a float and may not walk on the street.
• Dogs need a current rabies vaccination (proof on request) and a leash of 8 feet or less; owners must clean up after them.