Saturday, October 19, 2024
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
The submission of a parade entry form and fee does not guarantee a spot in the parade line-up. Applications are accepted on a first come, first-serve basis for the available slots and applications are reviewed as they are received. There are a limited numbers of slots available for all entry types, i.e. walking groups, bands, floats, horse groups. All entrants will be notified of their entry status. In accordance with city ordinances and for the safety of our spectators and parade participants, all parade participants must abide by the following rules and regulations:
- An entry includes 1 unit (i.e. 1 float or 1 band or 1 car or 1 dancing group).
- No additional vehicles, including, but not limited to cars, vans, scooters and marchers will be allowed to accompany registered units. The only exception to this is vehicles pulling floats. Support personnel walking with the entry should be dressed to compliment and/or coordinate with the entry.
- Vehicles playing music are not allowed to accompany units.
- Motorcycle clubs are permitted to have up to 8 motorcycles and/or 4-wheelers per unit. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- Only Southern University and A&M College departments/units, registered Southern University and A&M College student organizations, as well as high school marching bands are exempt from the parade entry fee. There are no exceptions and all other entrants must pay the required fee. Mobile units must be decorated and marching units must be in uniform before entering the parade line-up area.
- Entries, such as floats, should be no higher than 14 feet for clearance of utility lines.
- Drivers must have an unobstructed view of the road.
- All drivers must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and be adequately trained to drive their assigned entries.
- The consumption of alcoholic beverages and usage of drugs are prohibited during the parade, this includes in the parade line-up area.
- All parade participants and their units are subject to random searches for drugs and alcohol the day of the parade.
- Candy or souvenirs must not be thrown until the parade begins.
- Participants must have a sufficient amount of candy or souvenirs to disburse in proportions throughout the duration of the parade.
For Children:
- Children are not permitted to sit atop cars.
- Chaperones must accompany children at all times.
- Beware of children along the parade route as they may run and jump for candy. Kids are likely to approach mobile units without regard to safety
- Dance units with participants under the age of 8 are not permitted to march/walk. Those participants must ride in a car/float in front of or behind the marching unit.
- Individuals are not allowed to jump on or off moving units at any time nor should individuals hang onto moving units. Spectators from the crowd are not allowed to join the parade line-up.
- All parade participants must conduct themselves in an acceptable and respectable manner. Music with vulgar language is prohibited.
- The selling of food, drinks, and other items is prohibited.
- Socially acceptable attire most be worn during the parade.
- For safety reasons, water in any form (water guns, cannons, water balloons, hoses, or similar devices) is prohibited.
- Persons with floats are to move their units to an acceptable off-campus site following the parade. Units cannot be left on the Southern University campus, Scottlandville Magnet High School, or Scenic Highway.
- Parade entries do not include football game tickets.
Homecoming Parade Equestrian Unit Requirements
- In addition to the rules and regulations set forth by the Office of Student Life, equestrian units must also abide by the following:
- Equestrian units are limited to 8 riders per group.
- During parade line-up, equestrian units will be delegated to one general area, and must remain in the designated area until directed to line up. Horses must remain clear of streets.
- Equestrian units will be subject to random animal verifications the day of the parade. All equestrian unit riders are expected to cooperate with the parade staff and the police.
- All equestrian unit participants must be registered.
- Approved riders will be given arm bands which must be worn for the duration of the parade, all
- others will not be allowed to participate.
- A parent legal guardian must accompany all riders under 18 years of age.
- Riders must ride in columns of two (2).
- No more than one (1) rider per horse.
- All horses should be fit and in sound condition. Animals that appear sick or underfed will not be allowed
- All horses must be Coggin Test Approved, and emailed to meguna_johnson@suagcenter.com
- No motorized vehicles (ATVs, motorbike, mopeds, golf carts, motorcycles) or bicycles are allowed on the parade route.
- All equestrian units must be bagged or units must provide a person to pick up animal waste along the route.
Refund Policy
ALL ENTRY FEES ARE FINAL, AND THERE ARE NO REFUNDS. Unfortunately weather plays a huge role in the success of any parade. In order to produce a quality parade experience many expenses are obligated “rain or shine.” For this reason, if the parade is cancelled due to weather, we will not refund entry fees. You will however be given an automatic entry in the next or rescheduled parade event.
Any questions or concerns about this event, please contact Cedric Noel (225) 771-2029.