Get ready to be part of one of Port St. Lucie’s most exciting traditions. The parade application is now open for groups, businesses and organizations interested in joining the celebration on Saturday, March 14 at 3 p.m.

The parade will take place at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, and the City looks forward to showcasing the community’s creativity, spirit and pride.

Participants must attend the mandatory parade meeting on March 10 at 6 p.m. at the Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd.

Entry contact: Your contact information will be used in all future correspondence about the parade and parade lineup. It is your responsibility to ensure all entry members are informed of the official entry name, staging area and other instructions.

 

Thank you for your interest!

I acknowledge receipt of all rules applicable to this parade. I have read and understand my responsibilities as a parade unit operator, and I agree to abide by the expectations and responsibilities placed upon me throughout the parade. Specifically, I understand the following:

• Throwing items from parade entries is strictly prohibited. Handing items to spectators may be permitted only with prior approval and only if walkers do not approach motorized vehicles to restock. If requesting approval, describe items, distributors, and safety measures.
• I will operate a parade unit only if I am well-rested and healthy.
• For at least twelve (12) hours prior to the parade, I will not consume alcohol or take drugs or medications that impair safe operation.
• I will familiarize myself with the parade route, including turns, intersections, and areas where slowing may occur. I will also review the Owner's Manual if it is available.
• I will operate my unit only after confirming it is in safe working condition.
• I will operate a parade unit only with a valid driver's license and after attending any required operator meetings.
• I will report to my designated staging area at the assigned time.
• I understand walking marshals and/or spotters may assist with safe navigation of the parade route.
• I will operate my vehicle in its lowest gear or most limited acceleration setting.
• I will maintain visual and auditory communication with spotters at all times.
• I will obey all instructions from parade marshals and law enforcement officers.
• I will ensure my visibility remains unobstructed at all times.
• I am aware of the attended pace/speed of the parade, and I will maintain that pace.
• I will refrain from distracted driving, including cell phone use, eating, or smoking.
• Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for all parade participants, including walkers.
• I know the route clearing process should I or another unit break down on the parade route.
• Riders are permitted only in staging areas and on the parade route and must remain seated while the vehicle is in motion.
• If a passenger attempts to stand or exit while in motion, I will immediately stop the vehicle.
• I will maintain approximately 55 feet (two lane lines) of spacing between my unit and the unit ahead.
• Parade units may not reverse course of their entry, drive on sidewalks, or perform stunts. These activities are strictly prohibited.

• Float riders and parade participants are strictly prohibited from throwing, tossing or launching objects into the crowd. Prohibited items include: candy, beads, toys, promotional items, silly string liquid, or other novelties.
• Parade participants shall not consume alcohol, kava or other mind-altering substances that impair safe participation.
• Guardrail barriers or safety rails should be placed on floats to prevent exposed sides and prevent riders from falling out of the float. Floaters must remain inside the unit while unit is moving. Riders must not stand or sit on the edge of a moving float or dangle any body part over the edge.

• Floats must be equipped with a fire extinguisher and have an operator who knows how to operate it.
• Riders in pick-up truck beds must be seated fully within the confines of the truck bed.
• Overcrowded Vehicles: City staff may remove participants from any unit deemed overcrowded or unsafe.
• Indemnification: Applicants are responsible for all acts or omissions of their participants, volunteers, or agents and agree to indemnify and defend parade organizers from claims arising from negligence or misconduct. Entries must carry their own insurance.
• Nudity or Obscenity is strictly prohibited. Noncompliant entries will be removed immediately.
• Noise: Sound checks are limited to five (5) minutes in the staging area. Noise will not be in violation of City decibel requirements and will not interfere with other parade entries.
• Signs & Banners: Entry names must be prominently displayed. Parade position numbers must be visible to announcers and cameras. Entries must not stop except for designated areas along the route.
• Children: The chaperone ratio should be (1) adult for every (15) children. Children riding on floats must be supervised by adults. Chaperones must be identifiable. All entries must provide their own chaperones
• Requests to march with other groups must be submitted with the application and are not guaranteed.
• Vehicle Breakdown: Towing and repair costs are the responsibility of the participant. Float dismount permitted in designated location only.
• Safety Spotters/Walkers: All vehicle entries must have spotters to maintain clearance, pacing, and pedestrian safety. All entries must provide their own spotters to lead and manage their entry.
• Pedestrian Safety: No pedestrians may walk in front of motorized units. Spotters should walk near front wheel wells.
• Removal of Participants: Event or city staff may remove any unit or participant deemed unsafe, offensive, or noncompliant.
• Animals: Only approved animal units are permitted. Handlers are responsible for immediate waste cleanup. Pets are discouraged due to crowds, noise, and weather. All animal entries must have supplies to remove waste in the staging area, along the parade route, and on event premises. Animals must be healthy, behave in large crowds, and do not react negatively to loud noise.

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with all Parade Safety, Operator Rules and Policies as outlined within this application, including all safety requirements, participation standards, and operational guidelines as outlined within this application.