PITTSFIELD PARADE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES

ALL safety instructions and guidelines are requirements of the city, parade insurance agency, and parade organizers. If a participant does not adhere to these rules and guidelines, the entry will be subject to removal from the parade. We must ensure a safe and fun parade for all!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION:

ALL parade entries MUST showcase the parade theme or Independence Day, and they must be entertaining.

Entries applicants are all subject to approval by Pittsfield Parade organizers. The parade organizers reserve the right to reject any entry application or parade participant at any time and all decisions are final.

You are preparing to apply to participate in the Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade, the application serves as a waiver of release for your organization. By signing the application, you are thus signing the waiver and agreeing to the terms therein.

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 for political or special interests.

Music is encouraged to accompany the entry.

ENTRY APPLICATION FORM:

The entry application form must be completed and signed with the understanding of the general rules and guidelines.

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

Applicants will receive notification of their acceptance within two weeks 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.

THIS IS A FORWARD MOTION PARADE: 

All entries are required to maintain a continuous forward motion during the parade. No stopping.

NO TOSSING OR DISTRIBUTING HANDOUTS, CANDY OR FAVORS: 

Nothing can be tossed or handed out along the parade route, or curbside, due liability policies set forth by the parade insurance company and the City.

IDENTIFICATION SIGNS: 

Identification banners are encouraged for entries in the parade.

Signs must be for identification purposes only and not as an advertisement or political or religious 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. 

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 or summer attire. 

FLOATS: 

Floats cannot exceed 50 feet in length (including tow vehicle), 13 feet in height, and 10 feet in width.

Float entries must follow the “Parade Float Guidelines” listed below.

MARCHERS / ENTERTAINMENT 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 unique. 

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 8 cars per club.

Nocommercial or private vehicles are allowed in the parade without prior written approval by the parade staff. 

NO POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING and/or DEMONSTRATING:

No campaigning, no literature or handouts, and 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 is part of the parade. 

Guests and Dignitaries are by invitation only. Only politicians currently in office are invited.

The parade will provide an identification sign for the guest.

PARTICIPANT AGE RESTRICTIONS: 

Walking participants must be at least eight years old or older. 

There must be at least one adult escort for every six children under the age of 10 years.

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