INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

Sponsored by Rotary Club of Franklin

Date of Parade: Friday, July 4, 10:00 am

Cancelled if raining

Preregistration entry forms may be mailed to the address below or hand delivered to Lisa Deavers at Franklin- Simpson Parks and Recreation Office located at the Ag Building at Jim Roberts Community Park at 298 Community Park Circle. No entry fee for pre-registration. $20 REGISTRATION FEE DAY OF PARADE

Forms can be mailed to:  Franklin-Simpson Parks and Recreation

Attn: Parade P.0. Box 109 Franklin KY 42135

For questions, contact Hal W Toomey at 270-586-9899 or htoomey@bellsouth.net

I, and my organization, would like to participate in the 2025 Independence Day Parade, and I, individually and as an authorized representative of my organization, have read and understand all of the rules and regulations for said parade, and agree to abide by same, and further waive, discharge and release the Independence Day Parade Committee, Simpson County Fiscal Court, the City of Franklin, Simpson County Tourism and/or Franklin-Simpson Parks and Recreation from all liability to myself and/or all participants from my organization. I understand and agree that the Independence Day Parade Committee reserves the right to reject this application. I further understand that the driver of each entry will be required to sign a liability waiver at check-in on the day of the parade and that participants riding or walking as part of an entry will be required to sign a liability waiver on-site prior to the start of the parade.

Vehicle Entry Guidelines

• Vehicles should be decorated with a patriotic theme.
• All drivers, including golf carts and ATV's, must have a valid driver's license.
• At all times, vehicles should be driven in a safe manner and adhere to Kentucky State Law.
• ATV's will be allowed and occupants must wear a helmet. ATV's should be decorated.

Animal Entry Guidelines

• One group representative needs to check in at staging area location for proper line-up order.
• All animal riders must ride in a safe manner and be in control of their animal at all times.
• Animal riders are encouraged to decorate their animals for the parade and wear patriotic attire.
• Waste collection is required for all animals participating in the parade. Theis may be by means of a bag attached to the animal or by a person walking the route to scoop waste.
• All animals not being ridden, must be on a leash, unless otherwise approved by the committee.

Float Guidelines

• Float height must not exceed 14' to clear lines.

Parade Guildelines

• All entries must complete an application and liability waiver to participate in the parade.
• The individual who completes this parade application is responsible for their group's participants.
• Transportation to and from the staging and pick up location is the responsibility of the participants.
• All entries MUST be decorated and MUST be patriotic.
• Parade line-up will begin at 8:00 am. All entries must be checked in and in line no later than 9:30 am.
• ALL drivers must have a valid driver's license.
• The day of the parade, all drivers MUST check-in and sign a liability waiver `or have one on file.
• Drivers MUST stay with their floats at all times. Leaving a float/vehicle unattended is strictly prohibited.
• Parade float and entries shall have a sign or banner that identifies the group or organization.
• NO smoking, vaping alcohol or drug use will be allowed on any parade entry at any time.
• All participants/entries must remain moving in a forward motion with the parade during the whole event.
• It is recommended that parade participants be dressed in patriotic attire.
• Candy may be passed out by parade participants.
• If rain or storms prevent the parade from occurring on July 4th, it will not be rescheduled.
• Restroom facilities will be available at the staging area.

PARADE SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Stay on the parade route the entire duration of the parade.
• The parade route begins at the F-S High School, goes down Wildcat Way to Main Street to the Square, left on Kentucky, left on College and back up to the school, where the parade will disband.
• Your entry may not exit the parade route prior to the end of the parade.
• Be cognizant of your surroundings on the parade route and in the parade itself.
• When your entry is around horses or other animals, do not rev your engine, play loud music or make loud noises.
• All drivers must possess a valid driver's license.
• No alcohol or drug use is allowed on any float/vehicle or walking group at any time.
• No smoking will be allowed on or near floats or motorized vehicles
• In the case of an emergency with parade participants or spectators, parade participants must move to the right of the parade route to allow clear, unhindered access for emergency vehicles.
• Be courteous to your fellow entrants and spectators.
• No items may be thrown from any parade entry for safety reasons.
• Entrants are allowed to provide walkers alongside the entry to hand out candy, coupons or flyers.
• No advocacy propaganda is allowed.
• Once your entry has started along the parade route, no additional persons may board your float, enter your vehicle or join your walking group.
• Do not stop along the route at any time unless your vehicle is disabled or you are asked to pull over by parade staff.
• Keep pace. The parade is on a schedule to make sure that it does not impact other 4th of July activities.
• If you fall behind, you will be asked to pull over and let the rest of the parade pass.
• Participating in the parade is a privilege. If you are asked to leave the parade or not start in the parade because of noncompliance with the guidelines, please allow others through.
• Parade chair, Hal Toomey, has the final decision on any matters related to these guidelines.

Please bring this with you on the day of the parade

PARADE LIABILITY WAIVER

The driver of each entry will be required to sign a statement at check-in On the day of the parade acknowledging the following: 

By signing as the driver of the group listed you are in agreement with the volunteer group, the Independence Day Parade Committee that you, the group listed, and any others involved are participating in the 2025 Independence Day Parade at your own risk. You acknowledge that the volunteer group, the Independence Day Parade Committee is not responsible for claims for any injuries that the participant(s) may sustain while waiting for or participating in the Parade.  The volunteer group, the Independence Day Parade Committee affirms that it has a commercial general liability insurance policy in force for the Parade.  Individual members of the Parade Committee acting in their official capacity, as well as the Franklin Rotary Club, the Simson County Tourism Commission, the Franklin Simpson Parks and Recreation Department, the Franklin Community Arts Council, the County of Simpson, and the City of Franklin Kentucky are held harmless by the terms of this agreement. By signing, you, your group and any others associated with your entry give the Parade Committee permission to take and use photos in publications, news releases, social media and other communications related to the event.