For the purposes of controlling traffic and pedestrian congestion and providing for the public health, safety and general welfare, the following regulations shall pertain to the City of Newnan Christmas Parade:
1. All parade participants shall assemble for the parade at the time and location designated by the City of Newnan and shall disperse from public property immediately after the conclusion of the parade.
2. All parade participants will provide a sign with 10-inch lettering (minimum) with the names of their business, organization group. Signage will be used to identify each group represented in the parade during the television broadcast.
3. There will be only one Santa Claus in the parade provided by the City. No other Santa Claus will be allowed. NO EXCEPTIONS!
4. ALL parade floats and vehicles MUST be covered at least 75% with Christmas decorations (including lights). Vehicles without lights will not be allowed.
5. Music played by participants must be seasonal and will not contain inappropriate language.
6. No parade participant shall carry firearms or other weapons (of facsimiles thereof), nor bricks, bats, sticks, rocks, bottles or other items that could be used as weapons. No pressurized gas or air guns, i.e. t-shirt guns.
7. No parade participant shall drink alcoholic beverages or be under the influence of any intoxicating beverages or drugs.
8. Materials used in the construction of floats in the parade shall be of fire-retardant materials and shall be subject to such requirements concerning fire safety as may be determined by the fire chief.
9. Once commenced, the parade will not stop along the parade route, but shall continue to move at a fixed rate of speed, and any willful delay or stopping of such parade, except when reasonably required for the safe and orderly conduct of the parade, shall constitute a violation of these rules and will be grounds for removal.
10. Once commenced, no additional vehicles, individuals, groups or participants shall be permitted to join the parade.
11. In no event shall speeches, rallies, etc., be conducted in the public street, or along the sidewalks of the city.
12. No items including candy shall be thrown from the vehicles. Items may be handed out by participating walkers upon approval. Anyone throwing items from a float or vehicle will be subject to removal from the parade.
13. All animal entries MUST dispose of waste immediately - entrant must provide diapers or pail and shovel - animals MUST be secured at all times and are the sole responsibility of the entrant.
14. If you have multiple vehicles, they must all enter the line up at the same time. Vehicles arriving after a group is placed will not be allowed in the parade. NO EXCEPTIONS.
15. Parents/guardians are solely responsible for the safe arrival and departure of all parade participants. Each group must discuss transportation arrangements prior to parade participation.
16. Any other reasonable regulations or restrictions deemed necessary by the Chief of Police for the protection and safety of the parade participants, viewing public, or for the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the City, may be imposed. However, such additional regulations or restrictions shall be specified in writing to the applicant with all reasons therefore clearly enumerated.
17. There will be a limit of two (2) vehicles per application.
18. Parade participants are not allowed to ride or stand on the roof or hood of moving vehicles.
19. NO microphones can be used on the square during the parade. Specifically, dance studios and singers - it causes difficulty with the introductions of groups as they pass the stage.
20. Horse groups are not allowed to participate; special consideration may be given to a participant that would use a horse to pull a carriage, cart, or wagon. Any participants with equines will require prior approval from parade staff. Any horses granted approval to be in parade MUST wear a manure bag.
21. Maximum trailer/float length shall be 48 feet.
Please note: Participants that do not follow the rules during the parade will not be allowed to participate in the following year.
