Rules and Regulations of the Arlington Independence Day Parade

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Purpose

The Arlington 4th of July Association (“ASSOCIATION”) is a nonprofit, non-partisan, and non-political organization. It does not promote any individual, business, social, commercial, or political purpose. It is formed solely for the purpose of promoting a patriotic celebration of USA’s Independence Day in a family-oriented environment. The Association is an independent organization made up of volunteers.

Authority of the Board

  1. The Association reserves the right to refuse any entry into the parade which does not depict the parade theme and patriotic purpose or does not adhere to the policies of the Association as stated.
  2. Parade entrants agree to abide by all rules and decisions of the Association. Any misrepresentation or failure to abide by Association rules are grounds for removal from parade. Decisions of the Board are final and not subject to review by any other body.
  3. No entry will be allowed to enter the parade which did not meet the application deadline or fails to provide proof of approval by the Association at the line-up area on Parade Day.
  4. Although an entrant chooses the category he wishes to enter, the Association makes the final decision as to the correct category for each entrant based on the nature of the organization and type of entry.
  5. Use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or alcohol on AISD, UTA properties or in the Parade is prohibited.

Policy

  1. Decorations
    1. All Parade entries and their support vehicles must be 75% decorated to either depict the Parade theme, or, at a minimum, be decorated in red, white, and blue, in keeping with the patriotic spirit of the Parade. Judges will take this into consideration when selecting winners among those wishing to be judged.
    2. Any entry entering the staging area not decorated by 8:00am will be asked to obtain such items as necessary to reflect the patriotic spirit of the Parade or will be subject to removal from the Parade.
    3. All Parade entries shall conform to community standards, including all Parade participants.
  2. Banners
    1. One banner preceding your entry is allowed. No size limit.
    2. Banner carriers must be capable of maintaining the parade pace. If the pace of the banner carriers is impeding the parade progress the banner will be removed.
  3. Commercial
    1. Entries may be sponsored by an individual business or businesses in a mutual association./li>
    2. A logo or business name may be used on an entry however, the entry may not be used primarily for advertising purposes and must be in keeping with the patriotic spirit of the parade. Signs must be limited to two per entry. Maximum size per sign not to exceed 24 in. x 36 in.
    3. Businesses may enter any category except non-commercial floats and novice floats, subject to approval of the Association.
  4. Expense
    1. No limit. The use of ingenuity and creativity in the design and execution of an entry is encouraged and favored by the judging criteria.
  5. Hand-outs or Giveaways
    1. NNO HANDOUTS OR GIVEWAYS OF ANY KIND ARE PERMITTED DURING THE PARADE.
    2. Only BLUE LEVEL ($1000) or above, Parade Sponsors will be permitted to distribute handouts and giveaways in conjunction with flag distribution before the parade begins.
    3. For safety reasons, any activity that entices spectators to enter the parade route during the Parade is prohibited.
  6. Performance
    1. Any performance along the route or in front of the judges or TV stands must be a moving/marching routine. Any entry that stops to perform shall be ineligible for an award.
    2. All cheerleaders and drill teams will be partially prejudged for performance at north UTA parking lot at 7:30 A.M. Each entry shall be allowed to perform a two-minute routine for the judges.
    3. Only moving marching routines will be permitted at the TV and reviewing stands. As cited above, any entry that stops to perform shall be ineligible for an award. Final judging is at City Hall, but DO NOT STOP AT REVIEW STAND.
  7. Political and Social
    1. The Association is a non-political organization. Only current office holders are allowed to enter the parade. Small signs on either side of a car are permitted. No place cards or large advertising will be acceptable.
    2. No campaigning. Individuals or organizations who try to use the parade to further their own or others’ political or social campaigns will be removed from the parade. Under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, tax-exempt organizations are prohibited from participating or intervening in political activities.
  8. Support Vehicles
    1. Motorized entries (floats, cars, etc.) will not be permitted to have a support vehicle.
    2. Marching units and walking entries are permitted to have ONE support vehicle which must be decorated.
    3. You must describe your vehicle on the application to be eligible to have a support vehicle in the parade.
    4. Support vehicles must be at least 75% decorated
  9. Safety Rules
    1. No child under eight years of age will be allowed to walk in the parade. They may ride on floats, vehicles, or bicycles under adult supervision.
    2. Materials used in each entry should be fire-retardant and not of a dangerous nature. An on-board fire extinguisher is required for all floats and recommended for all entries.
    3. All parade participants (individual or organization) shall be required to adhere to the provisions of the Texas State Penal Code part 46.04, titled Places Weapons Prohibited and any changes thereto.
    4. Bike riders must adhere to state and local laws regarding helmets.
    5. Hand holds must be provided for float riders.
    6. Auto Liability policies in the minimum amounts as required by the State of Texas must be in place for all operators of all vehicles used in the parade. Participants may be required to show proof of coverage.
  10. Applications
    1. There is a $150.00 entry fee for commercial entries. The entry fee for all other entries is $50.00.
    2. All applications must be postmarked or turned in by May General Meeting. Any application or entry fees submitted after the May General Meeting will be considered late and are subject to a $50.00 late fee. No applications will be accepted after June 1.
    3. Late applications are subject to availability and Association approval.
    4. All information for Announcer’s Script must be completed and returned no later than the May General Meeting. Information provided for Parade Announcers is subject to editing to meet time constraints of the Parade.
    5. A separate application must be submitted for each entry in parade. Example: A school that enters their baton twirlers, drum major, and color guard to be judged, must submit a separate application for each.
    6. If not being judged and to be considered as one entry, submit one application only.
    7. If an organization has more than one entry, please list on one of your applications, the order in which you wish them to appear. Example: Schools with cheerleaders, drum majors, band, drill team and alumni groups.
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