Parade entries must adhere to the parade safety and participation rules outlined below:  

1.       Parade will be held rain or shine.

2.       Parade participants and float riders are strictly prohibited from throwing, tossing, or launching any objects into the crowd. This includes the distribution of candy, beads, or toys to spectators or spraying them with silly string, liquid, or other novelties. This will prevent anyone from getting hit by a flying object and will reduce the likelihood of any spectators entering the parade route to retrieve an object.

3.       Failure to obey Parade officials or law enforcement by a participant or their parents will result in that entry being removed from the Parade.

4.       Float operators must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license for the class of vehicle in which they are operating in the parade. For a specialty float, evidence the operator is trained to safely operate that unit should be provided.

5. Entrants participating in the parade are prohibited from:

• Any presentation or representation deemed inappropriate or immoral by the Town of Vinton Parade Staff.
• Drinking or simulated drinking of alcohol.
• Firecrackers or other explosive devices
• Throwing any material to spectators.
• Profanity on attire, signs, banners, floats, vehicles, music or audio recordings will not be permitted.
• No working and/or loaded firearms are allowed.
• Confetti of any kind is not permitted

6.    Maximum total length of any entry is 80 feet. 

7.    Decorations should reflect the holiday theme and purpose of the event.

8.    Cars must have mufflers; race cars must be trailered and decorated.

9.    No commercial vehicles unless pulling a float or decorated appropriately.

10.  Float operators will be with their parade unit and in their designated line up location at the designated staging time and remain with their float the entire length of the staging and parade.

11.  To keep the Parade moving smoothly, entries MUST NOT stop for pictures or performances along the route. For the rest of the parade, entries must keep pace with the entries in front of and behind them.

12.  Parade units may not reverse course within their entry, drive from sidewalk to sidewalk to engage with spectators, or perform stunts. These activities raise safety issues and are likely to cause gaps between entries that detract from spectators’ experience.

13.  Entries that have both motorized units and walkers must provide at least one additional spotter to ensure safe spacing between vehicles and pedestrians.

14.  All entries must be able to travel at a speed of one to two miles per hour for the entire route.

15.  Equestrian or other animal entries must ensure all animals are healthy, behave well in crowded places, and do not react negatively to loud noise. Animal entries must clean and remove waste in the staging area, along the parade route, and in the de-staging area. All animal waste must be packed out by the parade participant.

16.  If you suffer a breakdown during the Parade, move the vehicle to the right side and allow the entries behind you to pass. If you can get your entry restarted, you may proceed down the route at the position you occupy once you are moving.

17.  In the event of an emergency, local public safety officials have management control of the Parade and will provide parade management and entries with instructions.

18.  Float riders may not mount or dismount the float or tow vehicle when it is in motion.

19.  Children riding on floats must be supervised by an adult.

20.  Rider seats must be secured to the float deck. For maximum protection, a guardrail barrier should be erected along the exposed sides and ends of platforms to prevent float riders from falling out of the float.

21.  Float riders must remain in safety belts and/or holding handholds or other safety rails or barriers rails while the unit is moving.

22.  Float operators must know the location of the fire extinguisher, how to operate it, and how to shut off any electrical equipment.

23.  Riders may not stand or jump on a moving float unless there is sufficient fall arrest / fall protection.

24.  Passengers riding in pick-up truck beds must be seated fully within the confines of the truck bed. These passengers may not stand or straddle the truck bed when the vehicle is in motion.

25.  Riders must not stand or sit on the edge of a moving float or dangle any part of their body over the edge. Any float with riders or articles hanging over the edge of the float is subject to immediate removal from the parade.

Parade Waiver and Release: By signing below, I agree that I have read the rules and understand them completely and
agree to abide by the guidelines set forth by the Town of Vinton. I agree to be responsible for any loss or damages to
property or for any personal injury sustained during this event and to hold harmless from liability the Town of Vinton, volunteers, and sponsors.

With my signature I agree to comply to all herein. I further understand that I am fully responsible for my entire unit,
including but not limited to animals, vehicles, props, and children. I am responsible for any action taken or caused by my
unit. If I or my unit fail to comply with all the guidelines and rules for participation, I understand that my entry can and will
be removed from the parade lineup as late as 7:00 p.m. on the day of the parade.