Thank you for your interest in participating in this year's Christmas Parade.  Please take the time to read all of the following information.  This will assist us in making the parade a safe, entertaining, fun and festive event for the children.  We look forward to having you participate.  It is the entry contact person's responsibility to review the safety rules with all your participants. 

 We trust the following information will not deter your participation, rather help make this year's parade a fun and entertaining family event as well as ensure everyone's safety. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

Float Criteria:

 We encourage all participants i.e. floats, walkers etc. to join in celebrating "The Magic of Christmas", which is the theme of this years  Christmas Parade.

Insurance:

 Each participant in this parade must have personal liability insurance. The organizers, namely the St. Lawrence District Masonic Association and the Parade Committee will not be held responsible for any mishap involving any parade entrant.                                                                                

 No advertising flyers or flyers of a political or religious nature  are allowed to be passed out. Please do not regard the parade as an outdoor advertising opportunity it is an event for children and their families. Vehicles with a company name on them and nothing related to Christmas do little to entertain children, and therefore will not be permitted.  Vehicles must either be pulling a float or be accompanied by walkers.  Music, color and animation will make any entry come to life.

Theme for 2008:

 This year the theme is to celebrate "The Magic of Christmas". 

 The Santa Claus Float will appear at the end of the parade, thus we request that no other Santa Claus take part in the parade line.

Judging:

The judges will be viewing the floats from 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m therefore all floats must be in place by 1:00 p.m.  They will be walking around the line up area looking at the entries.  They will continue judging during the parade.

Criteria

The judges will be looking at the following areas when awarding the prizes listed below:                                   

When judging this years theme, attractiveness, originality, effort, props, costumes, enthusiasm of participants and participation of adults and youth will all be considered.

Best Overall entry - 1st place

Best Overall entry - 2nd Place

Best Overall entry - 3rd Place

Best Band

Most Humorous entry

Best Automated entry

Best Walking Entry

Best Clown

The parade will start at 2:00 p.m. sharp.  The parade judging area is in front of City Hall.  If you wish to impress the judges and show your enthusiasm, City Hall is the place to strut your stuff!                                                        

Cogeco Cable TV will be televising the parade from this location as well (weather permitting).  Winners will be announced the following day.  Winners will be requested to attend an award ceremony and will receive their prize at this time.

Handouts/Safety

NOTHING IS PERMITTED TO BE THROWN FROM FLOATS or other vehicles.  If you have Handouts such as candy, balloons, coupons etc. They must be given out only by walkers along the curb. This will prevent small children from running onto the road and possibly being injured.  Parade coordinators will advise the judges of float participants not following these regulations; thus eliminating that float from the competition and possibly future participation.

Riders must not have feet hanging over the side of the float thus avoiding any contact with the wheels, falling, etc. 

Financial responsibilities for all float material is the responsibility of the entrant.

Animals are allowed.  However they must be specified when registering.  Proof of insurance is required.  Please ensure proper clean up for any animal activities.  Insufficient clean up may result in being unable to attend in the future.

Your float or parade entry should have a sign or banner with your organization's name at the front of the entry. This will make it much easier for the judges to determine where each entry starts and would assist them with their important task.

As it is customary for the Brockville Fire Department to collect food, toys and money, there will be no other collection/solicitation without approval from the Parade Committee.

Emergency Vehicles:

All Emergency vehicles will refrain from using sirens and air horns during the parade.  These will be reserved for genuine Emergency Responses only.

Height Restriction: 

Due to overhead wires on King Street, height restriction is 13.5 feet.

Entry Arrival:

All entries must acquire an entry number on arrival at the North Augusta Road check point.

Drivers are asked to be safety minded during the parade and to stay in line leaving approximately 40 to 50 feet from the unit in front or back of them. 

If a breakdown occurs, please pull over to the side to allow others to proceed.

Please do not stop to allow riders off until you reach the end of the parade which is on Gilmour street. 

Drop Off Points for Riders : Ask at Check In points.

Failure to adhere to any of these Guidelines, particularly those safety related may result in your being disqualified from awards. Continuation of any violation will not be tolerated. You may be asked to leave the parade.

Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to your participation and a fun filled event.  If you have any questions please contact someone listed under Contact Information tab.