Rocky Mount Today

City of Wilson recently issued the following announcement.

Date:12/04/2021 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

Christmas Parade at City of Wilson.

Participation Rules & Regulations

1. Each entry must include a printed sign or banner with the organization’s name.
2. This year’s parade theme is simply Traditional Christmas. We strongly encourage use of the parade theme.
3. Parade walkers must be dressed festively. Street clothes are not acceptable. Uniforms and costumes make the parade entertaining and festive. If parade walkers are with an entry, please no baby strollers of any kind.
4. All animal entries require a minimum of one person walking behind the animal before, during, and after the parade to clean up droppings.
5. No advertising fliers, business cards, etc. may be distributed unless attached to candy, coupon, or gift.
6. Nothing may be thrown into or at the audience. Costumed persons may walk on both sides of your moving vehicle or float and may hand items to those who want them.Safety of children and spectators is the principal concern. The City of Wilson does have aparades and processions code ordinance that states: Sec. 26-6 Distribution of materials – It shall be unlawful for anyone riding in a parade to distribute from the vehicle upon which he is riding any handbills, advertising matter, candy, cigarettes, prizes or favors of any kind.
7. Parade Marshals will assist you at line up, along the parade route, and at egress. They will be wearing identifiable vests. They are authorized to enforce the rules of the parade and have the right to pull entries not complying with the rules and regulations.
8. Only vehicles in the parade will be allowed in the line-up/staging area. No exceptions.
9. All entries playing music (bands and floats) must play holiday music.
10. Sound systems shall be placed with the speakers facing the side of the entry so that maximum sound will reach the audience with minimum interference to adjacent entries. A Parade Marshal may instruct you to adjust the volume. Loud entries not following instructions will be pulled from the parade.
11. A distance of two car lengths between entries is recommended. Parade Marshals will instruct you to increase or decrease gaps as needed. There should be no more than a 3-4 car gap between entries.
12. Riders must be within the confines of the float/vehicle. Riders may not sit on the sides, back, or front so that body parts are hanging over the sides.
13. Special line-up requests will only be considered if included on the original application. Requests are not guaranteed. Please do not call or email with special requests after the application has been submitted.
14. No parade participants may dress up as Santa or Mrs. Claus. Santa hats, elves, and reindeer are permitted.
15. All performance stops must be requested on the original application. Full details and a video or link must be provided. Only choreographed performances will be considered. Only approved performance stops may stop and perform in the performance area or along the parade route. All entries must keep moving with the flow of the parade.
16. Do not stop at the end of the parade route to let off riders. Dance groups and bands will turn right onto Douglas Street and then right onto Jones Street to let riders off. All other entries will turn right onto Douglas Street and then left onto South Street to exit the parade area. No entries will be allowed to stop on Douglas Street.
17. The parade is a rain or shine event. It will not be canceled due to inclement weather.
18. Smoking, e-cigarettes, vape pens and/or alcoholic beverages are not to be consumed by any participants during the parade and are not allowed on any float or in any vehicle.
19. Camera, video, and mobile phone use by participants is not allowed. Be in the moment. You are there to provide entertainment. Distractions also increase the chance of accidents.
20. Police will enforce all city, state, and federal laws at all times.
21. All motorcycle and ATV riders/groups must wear helmets.
22. No refunds will be given.
23. The Parade Committee will review each application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Committee has the sole authority to accept or reject any application.
24. By participating in the 2021 Wilson Christmas Parade, you agree that the City of Wilson is Not responsible for any accident, injury, or other circumstances that may occur.
25. This is a family-friendly event. All costumes/attire, performances, and entries must be appropriate for children. If it is questionable…don’t do it!

Original source can be found here.