Pre-Parade Rules
PRE-PARADE DEFINITION
The Pre-Parade as its name implies is a parade which takes place prior to the main parade. Its purpose is to excite the crowd and to give opportunity for performers to show their skills or expertise. Since these performances would slow and interrupt the main parade, endanger participants or not give adequate time to performers, we have created a venue where these can safely take place. The pre-parade begins approximately 75 minutes prior to the main parade. Pre-parade entries may bring no motorized vehicles onto the parade route without receiving previous approval. Hand-pulled carts or wagons are permitted but not encouraged. Entries for the Pre-parade will be approved based upon the entry’s entertainment value while complying with the Festival’s goal to encourage feelings of patriotism, to celebrate, teach, honor, and strengthen the traditional American values of family, freedom, God, and country. While there may be some commercial aspects to an entry, these should be limited and the main focus and goal of the entry must be the entertainment of spectators. All entry participants must follow Parade guidelines. Timing is extremely important. Each entry may be on the parade route no longer than 70 minutes. The two and a quarter mile parade route may be walked in 45 minutes giving plenty of time for performances.
RULES AND PROCEDURES
Number of Entries. The Freedom Festival Pre-Parade will consist of no more than 25 units. The Freedom Festival Parade Executive Committee will give first consideration to the entertainment value that each entry offers.
Decision of Committee. The decision of the Executive Committee concerning acceptance of any entry into the pre-parade will be final.
Right to Refuse Participation. The Executive Committee reserves the right to refuse an entry into the pre-parade if, in its sole judgment, it determines that the entry is controversial or unlawful or has little entertainment value.
Line-up of Parade. Details concerning the line-up of the pre-parade, where to assemble, and other pre-parade instructions will be emailed out prior to the parade. This information will be emailed to the sponsor’s primary contact, as defined on the Parade Entry Application. Arrival times must be strictly adhered to. Arrival is to be defined as all key participants being in position in the assigned staging area. Late arrivals may be denied participation with no fees returned. Line-up order is to be determined solely by the Parade Executive Committee.
Vehicles. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, miscellaneous vehicles, etc., will not be allowed as entries or support vehicles in the pre-parade. A pre-parade entry may be allowed one (1) 4-wheeler to haul water or sound systems for their group, if adequate justification exists. Requests for permission must go to the Parade Executive Committee.
Distribution of Literature. The distribution of advertisements, literature, candy, gum, treats, promotional material or any other items ON THE PARADE ROUTE, may be done only upon the following conditions:
- Distribution of items may be done ONLY DURING the Pre-Parade, by members of an approved Pre-Parade entry.
- Distributed materials may not be thrown to or in the direction of spectators, but must be handed to an individual. Distribution must not occur in any manner which encourages or rewards spectators that move from the viewing area into ANY PORTION of the street assigned to the parade route.
- If in the opinion of a Parade Committee Official, the continued distribution of materials could endanger Parade spectators or participants, the official may ask entry participants to cease from the distribution of these materials. The Freedom Festival and Parade Committee Officials will bear no responsibility for any financial or opportunity loss associated with this request.
- Violators may be subject under Utah Statutory Code, as appropriate.
Entry Participants. Clowns and other costumed participants are highly encouraged to participate in the pre-parade as long as they do so in a safe manner. Each participant must be capable of the exertion required to complete the route at the pace set by Parade Officials. Should any entry cause a slowdown of the pace of the pre-parade, said entry may be removed from the parade route at the discretion of the parade committee.
Speed, Spacing and Flow of Pre-Parade. The Primary Entry Contacts must convey to each entry participant the importance of maintaining the flow of the pre-parade and following the instructions of Pre-Parade Officials. Large gaps between entries are unacceptable and diminish spectator’s enjoyment of the Pre-Parade. Entry participants should expect to be asked by Parade Officials to speed-up, slow-down or perform to enhance the flow of the pre-parade and for its effective management and operation.
Rules. It is the responsibility of each entry to insure that all entry participants are aware of and agree to comply with these rules. Every entry participant must be aware that they must follow the instructions and commands received from Parade Committee members and local law enforcement officers.
Violation of Rules. Parade Entries who fail to follow these rules will lose the opportunity to participate in the Pre-Parade and may be asked to leave. Flagrant violation of these rules may prevent future participation by that organization and/or the individuals involved for a period of up to five years. Failure to follow the directions received from Parade Committee Members will be considered a flagrant violation of the rules.