Grand Parade Application Form

STRAWBERRY PARADE
March 2nd, 2026, at 1:00 P.M.
Moves through downtown Plant City to Sammonds Road
Chairperson: Gail Domedion, Berry Fine Productions (813) 967-6366

Application Deadline: Monday, February 2nd, 2026, at Midnight. Parade Position Letters will be sent by email: By the week of February 9th, 2026 Mandatory Driver Meeting: February 24th, 2026, at 6:00 PM

GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS & HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

 

In consideration of being permitted by Berry Fine Productions, Inc., to participate in the 2026 Strawberry Grand Parade, I/We, (1)__________________________________________________________________, Residing at (2)_________________________________________________________ City of (3)_____________________________, State of (4)________________________ and an authorized representative of _____________________________________ (5)____________________________________________________(hereinafter called my or our organization agrees as follows:

1. I and my heirs/ We and our heirs distributes, guardians, legal representatives, and assigns will not make a claim against, sue, attach the property of, or prosecute the committee or any of its members or staff for any injury, death, or property damage occurring to me or my organization as a result of participation in the 2026 Strawberry Grand Parade, whether caused by any action or decision of the committee or otherwise.

2. I / We release and discharge the Committee from all actions, claims, or demands that I or my heirs or our heirs, distribute guardians, legal representatives, or assigns, now or in the future, may have for any injury, death, or property damage resulting from my participation or my organization’s participation in the 2026 Strawberry Grand Parade.

3.I/ We further agree that my participation or my organization’s participation in the 2026 Strawberry Grand Parade is not to be construed as an admission of liability or the assumption of any responsibility by Berry Fine Productions, Inc., or its members for any of my acts or omissions or those of our organization.

4. I / We agree for myself and my heirs, distributes, guardians, legal representatives, and assigns that if any claim for personal injury, death, or property damage is prosecuted against Berry Fine Productions, Inc. or any of its members as a direct or indirect result of our organization’s participation in the Strawberry Grand Parade, I / We shall indemnify and save harmless Berry Fine Productions and its members from such claims, causes of action, or damages, including attorneys’ fee, by whoever made and wherever presented.

5. I/ We understand and agree that this release covers all known, unknown, or unforeseen claims and the consequences thereof, notwithstanding the provisions of any law or ordinance to the contrary, and I / We specifically waive any rights accruing to the undersigned agreement.

6. I/We have carefully read this release and fully understand its content. I / We are aware that this is a release of liability and a contract between me, my organization, and Berry Fine Productions and I / We sign it of my own free will.

 

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1.All applications are subject to approval by the Parade Committee. Upon acceptance, an official position letter will be emailed by February 13th, 2026. Entries are approved by the committee based on “SHOW VALUE” to the overall parade and/or theme. Understanding that a parade, by its nature, is an entertainment medium, the contribution of each unit to this.The concept is critical. Artistic beauty, use of colors, animation, special effects, originality, rider personnel, and visual appeal all come into play in determining the acceptability of the entry. Because of this “total show concept,” our parades are not a platform for social issues or targeted special groups. By making an application for entry, it is understood and agreed that the decision of our committee is final.

2.A sketch, design, and description plan for your entry must accompany thisApplication. On arrival at the parade formation area, entries not conforming with Description as per application may be prohibited from participation in the parade.

3.All drivers must have a legal current Driver's License and insurance.

4.Parade applications cannot be accepted without a certificate of insurance.

5.The use of “Queens” and similar individuals will be limited to our own Festival royalty andinvited visiting royalty.

6.Firearms, rifles, pistols, or cannons firing blanks or powder charges may not be used in theparade. Firecrackers may not be discharged in the staging area or in the line of march.

7.All automobiles must be decorated, except for candidates for public office.
Automobiles not completely decorated will not be allowed in the parade unless approvedindividually by the parade committee. Proof of Insurance is required.

8.No open dually style trailers will be permitted in the parade. Wheels must be constructedunder the platform of the trailer being used. Exposed wheels are considered illegal for use.This rule will be strictly enforced.

9.Walking units are limited to musical units, drill teams, or unique units approved by the paradecommittee. NO ONE YOUNGER THAN 12 YEARS OF AGE WILL BE ALLOWED TO WALKIN THE PARADE. THERE MUST BE 2 SPOTTERS AGE 18 OR OLDER WEARING AREFLECTIVE VEST WALKING ALONG THE FLOAT. THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

10.Antique Cars are cars that were built before 2001. Proof of Insurance is required.

11.The consumption of alcoholic beverages in the staging area or in the line of march will not be tolerated.

12.The number of vehicles per unit is required by the Parade Committee to be no more than 4.

13.No stopping at any point in the parade line of march. All units must always move forward. NO GAPS!!!

14.Smoking will not be permitted in the line of March.

15.All parade entries must have with their unit the Official Position Letter, which is emailed the week of February 9th, 2026. Your number will be placed by a Parade Marshal, once you are in position.

16.Anyone participating in this contest by way of entry hereby agrees and consents to the use of any picture of the contestant in any or all publications, TV, publicity Brochure, Internet, etc., that Berry Fine Productions may desire.

17.Mandatory Parade Meeting to be held Tuesday February 24th, 2026, at 6:00 PM,Plant City High School Auditorium, One Raider Place, Plant City, Fl. 33566.At least one authorized representative of an entry must be present at this meeting conducted by the Plant City Police Department and Berry Fine Productions.

AWARD DIVISIONS:

AWARD DIVISIONS:
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places Most Outstanding Business/Commercial Float
For the following divisions: Most Outstanding Antique Division
Most Outstanding Special Feature Division
Most Outstanding Marching Band Unit
Most Outstanding Civic Division Most Outstanding Church Division
Grand Marshal Trophy

The 1st place winners will be at the beginning of the lineup in the 2027 Strawberry Grand Parade and will receive a trophy 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive ribbons.

Once you are notified of your award please contact Gail Domedion (813)967-6366

City of Plant City “City Ordinance 62 Article VI – Parade and Public Assembly”

(1)

 

 

 

Trailer, float or other conveyance style NOT approved by city ordinance
“Outrigger or Protruding style wheels – Wheels outside the frame or platform”

 

 

 

(2)

 

 

Trailer, float or other conveyance style APPROVED by city ordinance
“Wheels underneath the frame or platform”