Hasbrouck Heights Chamber of Commerce

Parade Participation Policy

Definition of a Parade Entry
For the purposes of this parade, a Parade Entry is defined as any decorated vehicle, trailer, platform, display unit, individual, or group of individuals (walking, marching, or performing) that moves along the parade route. This includes floats, walking groups, marching bands, performers, vehicles, or other participants representing a business, organization, or sponsor.

General Guidelines
·       All parade entries must arrive at the designated staging area no later than 30 minutes before the parade start time. Late arrivals may forfeit their participation.

·       All entries will be reviewed by the Parade Committee at the start of the parade. Entries that do not follow these guidelines will not be permitted in the parade.

·       Entries must be family-friendly in content and presentation.

·       Entries playing music must ensure it is family-friendly and free of offensive or explicit content.

·       Entries may not contain any controversial, offensive, or inappropriate images, behavior, or messages.

·       No eating, drinking, or smoking is permitted during the parade.

·       No persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol may participate in the parade.

·       All participants must conduct themselves in a respectful and safe manner.

Political Content
·       Floats and other entries may represent Hasbrouck Heights–based elected officials as well as recognized local political clubs (e.g., Republican Club, Democratic Club, Green Party Club, etc.) whose stated purpose is to participate in the Borough’s elections.

·       Political entries must be limited to local representation only. No county, state, or federal candidates, campaigns, or organizations may participate or be promoted.

·       Floats, vehicles, or walking groups may identify their club or official by name (e.g., “Brought to you by the Hasbrouck Heights Republican or Democratic Club”), but may not include campaign slogans, endorsements, or messages opposing other candidates, parties, or viewpoints.

·       Any entry deemed to be overtly partisan in tone (e.g., attack messages, electioneering, or campaign advertising) will not be permitted.

·       The purpose of allowing local clubs and officials is to acknowledge their presence in the community, not to provide a campaign platform or invite controversy.

Business Advertising and Signage Rules
·       Each entry (float, vehicle, or walking individual or group) may advertise one business or organization only, unless otherwise designated by the Chamber for event sponsor recognition.

·       Entries, including walking groups or marchers, may not display signage, banners, or other advertising for businesses or organizations not officially registered for that entry.

·       Walking groups or marchers may not carry banners, signs, or wear apparel promoting additional businesses or organizations beyond their registered entry.

·       Handouts, flyers, or promotional items must only advertise the business or organization officially registered for that entry.

·       Vehicles, floats, walking groups, or displays carrying advertising for multiple businesses or organizations are not permitted without advance permission from the parade committee.

·       The Chamber reserves the right to remove or reject any signage, materials, or displays that violate these rules.

Safety and Compliance
·       All entries must comply with all safety requirements established by the Parade Committee and local authorities.

·       Drivers of motorized vehicles must hold a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

·       Entries must be designed and operated in a way that does not endanger participants or spectators.

·       Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Riders must remain seated or standing safely within the entry unit. Jumping on or off moving entries during the parade is not permitted.

·       Floats or units with live animals must have proper controls and cleanup procedures in place.

·       Walking and marching groups must remain in their designated lane, keep forward motion, and maintain spacing to avoid gaps in the parade.

Final Authority
The Parade Committee reserves the right to reject or remove any entry from the parade lineup that does not comply with these policies or that, in the Committee’s judgment, reflects poorly on the Chamber or the community.

The Committee’s decision is final in all matters of interpretation or enforcement of this policy.