Lincoln County Patriot Day Parade Rules
- Any entry wishing to display an American Flag MUST do so in accordance with US Flag Code. No proper (color) US flags with logos or other changes will be displayed.
- Any vehicle entries or clubs are limited to 6 vehicles per entry. A vehicle towing a trailer is considered a float. Vehicles will travel single file down the parade route. Larger groups may have multiple entries which may be spread throughout the parade or can be grouped together.
- Each unit must maintain a forward momentum, and may not slow or stop the parade in any way. If a gap develops, the unit must re-establish the distance between their unit and the unit in front of them.
- Participants may not jump on and off floats or motorized vehicles once the parade has started. Riders will not be allowed to leave their float or vehicle once their float or vehicle is put in motion.
- No alcoholic beverages may be consumed or displayed before or during the parade.
- If music or sound is to be used on the entry, this must be stated on the application and will be subject to approval. Volume must be adjustable, and music must be appropriate for all ages.
- When participants throw candy or other items, it should be thrown by walkers walking at a safe distance and to the ground away from parade vehicles. DO NOT THROW CANDY OR ITEMS IN FRONT OF OR NEAR MOVING VEHICLES!
- Replenishing supplies must be done from the back of float or unit.
- Stay within 20ft. of the group ahead of you.
- Be alert! Watch for children running out into the parade route. Watch for the group ahead of you to pause.
- Any entry with live animals must provide waste removal beginning with unloading of animals, along the parade route, and until time animals are reloaded.
- The parade organizer reserves the right to make decisions at the time of a Parade, with regard to appearance, activities, and other matters involving an entry. Entries which do not comply with the restrictions or instructions of the parade organizer shall be denied entry.
- Towing vehicle drivers shall possess a valid driver’s license.
FLOAT VEHICLES, DRIVERS, AND RIDERS
- Floats must be constructed in a safe manner and not present a health or safety hazard to participants or the general public.
- Decorative material on parade floats shall be noncombustible or flame retardant.
- Stabilized props on a float should not exceed 12 feet in height or width.
- Floats, including tow units, must not exceed 55 feet in length. The float must be designed to maneuver corners along the parade route without delaying forward motion of the parade or causing potential hazards.
- Float beds must be sturdy and capable of carrying the weight to be imposed.
- No extra gasoline, other than in the vehicle’s tank, may be carried on the float vehicle.
- Floats must have a minimum of 12 inches ground clearance from the frame. Nothing can drag on the roadway from the float. Proper clearance of materials from around the wheels of the vehicles must be incorporated to avoid any materials being caught in them.
- Decorative material and the float structure must be kept clear of the exhaust system of a motorized float.
- Do not overload temporary electrical wiring.
- Secure extension cords properly; do not let them drag on the ground, contact tires or the drive train. Inspect your electrical appliances before energizing the parade float.
- Portable generators shall be secured to the parade float. Refueling of generators will not be permitted. Do not allow the heated exhaust to come in contact with the parade float or participants.
- Plastic sheeting and plastic tarps shall be properly secured.
- Proper running lights should be attached to the float vehicle.
- All floats must carry a fire extinguisher; at least 2-A, 10-B: C rating accessible to the operator.
- All vehicles must be properly equipped with appropriate mufflers and have a current emissions inspection.
- All vehicles must carry appropriate vehicle insurance according to Missouri state laws.
- All floats should have 4 wheel walkers – one located on each side of the towing vehicle near the rear tire and one located on each side of the float at the midpoint.
- All float entries must be secured with a tongue and hitch and safety chain.
- Drivers must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and be adequately trained to drive their float.
- All motorcycle riders and passengers must possess an “M” class license. All drivers and riders are recommended to wear a safety helmet approved by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard in accordance with Missouri law.
- Drivers shall have a clear field of vision that encompasses 180 degrees and provides a view in front and to each side of the vehicle.
- Sitting Float Riders shall remain seated and use restraining belts, if available. Standing float riders shall have body support and firmly grasp hand holds and rails.
- No riders will be allowed to ride on the edge of the float. Any float with riders or articles hanging over the edge, before or during the parade will be subject to removal from the parade.
- Float riders shall not spray water or other fluids at spectators.
Bicycle Riders
- All participants riding a bicycle must wear proper safety equipment including a helmet at all times.
- All participants riding a bicycle must remain at least 10 feet away from any float when passing in the front of the float.
- All bicycle riders must remain away from any float, inside of the turn, when the float is turning a corner.
Live Animal Entries
- Any live animal MUST be in direct control of a handler. For example, dogs must be on 1 leash with a single person handling that leash per animal. Horses must be ridden or walked on a lead rope.
- Equestrian entries are limited to 8 horses per entry. Horses may walk 2 abreast down the parade route, but be extra cautious for spectators.
- No off leash animal demonstrations or performances on the parade route.
- Any entry of live animals MUST provide at least 1 walker to follow behind the entry before the next entry for any animal waste cleanup.
AFTER HITTING SUBMIT ON THE FORM BELOW, YOU WILL BE TAKEN TO A PAYPAL PAYMENT SCREEN FOR UNITED CHRISTIAN OFF-ROAD ALLIANCE (UCORA). UCORA IS ACTING AS A FIDUCIARY FOR THE PARADE. ALL PROCEEDS WILL THEN BE DONATED TO BACKSTOPPERS.