2025 Parade Entry Form

Parade Entry Fee: $150

Flat Fee (Unlimited Riders)

(Fees must be paid no later than January 31, 2025)

1. All applications are subject to approval by the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Parade Committee. The parade committee will assign positions in the parade.
2. A complete description including theme, number of units and specifications must be included on the application or as an addendum. At arrival at the parade formation area entries that have not paid or do not meet the description submitted may be asked to leave the area and not participate in the parade. New or unpaid entries will not be accepted the day of the parade – NO EXCEPTIONS.
3. The tow unit, driver and all units (vehicles, bicycles, wagons, etc) in the parade must be in the spirit of Mardi Gras. These people must have a valid drivers license and proof of insurance for any vehicle (car, truck, or any motorized vehicle) in the parade. Lake Wales Mardi Gras is not responsible for personal vehicles. No one under the age of 18 years of age may walk, ride on any float or in any vehicle or participate in any other way in the parade due to insurance policy regulations.
4. Walking units are limited to musical units, drill teams or unique units approved by the Mardi Gras Parade Committee. Dance routines are to be choreographed to move with the pace of the parade. Stationary routines are to be performed on a float or upon request, and can be placed toward the end of the parade so not to hinder the flow of the parade. No one under the age of 18 may walk, ride on a float or in a vehicle or participate in any other way in the parade due to insurance policy regulations.
5. The safety of parade participants and spectators is one of our primary concerns. Each parade participant and spectator is expected to obey the laws of the City of Lake Wales. The local police, county officers and State officers do have complete authority during this event.
6. All units waive the rights for reproduction for newspapers, video, television, radio or other promotional use. These rights are exclusive of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras.
7. No firearms or fireworks of any kind may be fired from any float or unit during the parade. Any items that pose a danger to spectators when thrown, are also prohibited.
8. Corporate sponsorship for a Krewe or unit is acceptable as long as it is confined to vehicle pulling your float. If your float is a bus you may have signage on the front or back of the bus, not on sides.
9. Each Krewe is expected to assist with the clean up on Sunday morning after the parade. At least one member from each Krewe is to report downtown on Sunday morning for clean up.
10. Recommended float specifications are:
    a. Maximum height is 12 feet – make sure you check the power lines for clearance before the parade.
    b. Maximum width – 10 feet
    c. Maximum length – 50 feet – this is for both float and tow vehicle
    d. All entries have to be able to make a 90 degree turn

The Lake Wales Mardi Gras Committee approves the entries based on the show value to the overall audience. Understanding that a parade will have a multitude of spectators and that its primary purpose is to entertain, it is important that each participant keep this in mind when deciding on its theme. With this in mind, we do not allow political candidates or publicity of such, social issues or targeted special interest groups. By making an application for entry, please understand the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Parade Committee has final authority.

Upon signing this application the applicant agrees to abide by all the rules and regulations set forth by the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Committee and to hold both the members of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Committee, either as a group or individually and the City of Lake Wales harmless from any and all damages, claims or injuries that may occur by reason of any parade, concert, or carnival activities. Please review updated parade rules and regulations.

Please provide proof of insurance for vehicles used in your entry. The application fee is $150.00 for unlimited riders. Returned checks will be subject to a $35.00 fee and require the Krewe or organization to pay by money order or cash for future parades. No person under the age of 18 will be allowed on floats, riding in vehicles that are pulling floats, walking behind or beside floats or throwing beads due to insurance policy regulations. Any entry not paid BEFORE day of parade will not be allowed to participate in the parade – NO EXCEPTIONS. Cancellations must be received no later then two weeks prior to day of the parade or the fees will not be refunded.

No parade entry will be accepted without all requested documentation. Cancellations must be received at least two weeks prior to the event or fees will not be returned. Any returned checks will be subject to a $35.00 charge and will require the vendor to pay by money order, certified bank check or cash for any future events.