Pensacola Mardi Gras Vehicle Application

NOTE: It is very important that PMG has an accurate phone number for the driver both leading up to and at the event. There will be real time communication between PMG and the driver at the event, so a direct phone number is required.

We must have a legible photo copy of all licenses and insurance information. No one will be allowed to drive or pull a float without providing these documents.

State law requires each operator of a towing vehicle to be responsible for seeing that their trailer is properly secured and safety chains are provided (Florida Statutes, 316.530).

1. Responsibility for your Organization: An “Organization” is defined as a group of people that will participate in the parade together. The term organization is liberally utilized when referring to all groups participating in the Grand Parade. 

   Each Organization is responsible for maintaining control and supervision of all participants within its unit at all times, including before, during, and after the duration of the Parade. 

2. Vehicle Requirements and Documentation: All motorized entries (including towing vehicles, motorcycles, and any small motorized vehicles such as convertibles, golf carts, etc.) must have the required documentation submitted by the application deadline, including:
   - A completed vehicle application for each vehicle participating in the parade
   - Copies of the driver’s license for each vehicle driver participating in the parade
   - Proof of current insurance that is active through the date of the parade for each vehicle. NOTE: PMG Leadership reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarification at any time. 

   Only vehicles that are participating in the Parade will be allowed inside the “Line-Up Area” located on Spring Street between Garden and Main Streets.
   
   Vehicle drivers are held to the expectations and requirements established herein and any additional expectations and requirements provided by PMG. Vehicle drivers and Safety Walkers may not consume alcohol before or during the Parade. 
   
   Missing documentation for vehicles or drivers may result in late fees, denial of the application, or other such appropriate actions at the discretion of PMG. 

3. Timeliness and Readiness: The parade begins at 2:00pm, rain or shine. All entries must be fully staged, loaded, and ready to move when directed by PMG Marshals.
   
   
4. Description of Entries: All vehicles and components of the Parade Entry must be listed on the application with appropriate descriptions where necessary. Walking groups must describe any components containing motorized vehicles.
   
   
5. Spotters and Safety Walkers: Safety Walkers are mandatory for all motorized entries when the vehicle is moving within the event footprint. Safety Walkers must remain positioned alongside wheels and assist with safe movement, crowd spacing, and immediate communication with the driver.
   

   Each motorized unit must have: 

   - At least one (1) Safety Walker per wheel, including the wheels of the towing vehicle, AND
   - No fewer than four (4) Safety Walkers per motorized vehicle
   
   This requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable. Failure to comply may result in a monetary fine, removal from the Parade, or disqualification from participation in future Parades produced by PMG.

   Safety Walker Responsibility:

   - Must remain positioned alongside the float/vehicle, aligned with the wheels of the vehicle, at all times. 
   - Monitor crowd proximity and prevent spectators from entering unsafe areas or coming too close to the moving vehicle.
   - Immediately communicate any safety concerns to the vehicle driver. 
   - Follow any and all instructions from PMG Parade Marshals, PMG Leadership, and law enforcement.
   - Must be over the age of 18 years old with sufficient maturity to understand the dangers associated with operating vehicles in close proximity to pedestrians. It is the responsibility of the Organization to ensure compliance. 
   - Must refrain from any alcohol or mind-altering substances before or during the Parade.
   
   Safety Walkers cannot throw items in the Parade. They may hand items directly to spectators when safe and appropriate.  

6. No Stopping and No Counter-Motion: Entries may not stop intentionally on the Parade Route or Line-Up Area, unless expressly instructed to do so by PMG Parade Marshals, PMG Leadership, or law enforcement. 

   Counter-Motion, or movement in reverse, is strictly prohibited as it creates a substantial safety risk to both your Organization and others nearby. 

7. Follow All Safety Instructions:  All participants and Organizations must follow the instructions of law enforcement, PMG Leadership, and PMG Parade Marshals.
   
   
8. Emergency Protocol: All participants must immediately follow instructions from PMG Parade Marshals, PMG Leadership, and law enforcement in the case of an emergency. Organizations may not attempt independent corrective action without direction. In the event of mechanical failure,  medical emergency, or any other emergent situation, a representative of the Organization must notify law enforcement and PMG Leadership immediately.
   
   
9. Maintain Spacing: Maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet between your Organization’s parade entry and the entries both in-front and behind your Organization. Avoid gaps within the Parade whenever possible. Intentional gaps disrupt the parade and cause significant threats to the safety of the participants and spectators. 

   Failure to comply may result in a monetary fine, removal from the Parade, or disqualification from participation in future Parades produced by PMG.

10. Conduct and Removal: PMG reserves the right to exclude or remove any participant and/or Organization whose conduct violates PMG policies or the purposes of the event.

    The Parade is intended to be family-friendly and therefore PG-rated. Nudity or public intoxication will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the event and/or future disqualification from any Parade produced by PMG. 

11. Liability Notice: Pensacola Mardi Gras Inc., Pensacola Mardi Gras Foundation Inc., the City of Pensacola, and Escambia County are not liable for injuries to participants and spectators, nor damage to floats, vehicles, or personal property within the event footprint. Participation in the Parade constitutes acknowledgement and acceptance of the inherent risks associated with public events involving motorized vehicles and large crowds.
    
    
12. Application Submittal Does Not Guarantee Acceptance: Submission of an application to participate in the parade and for vehicles/drivers does not guarantee acceptance of the entry into the event. Acceptance will be confirmed by PMG Leadership via email. 

    Late fees will apply to applications received after the deadline has passed and to incomplete applications that submit missing information after the deadline for applications has passed. Late fees are at the discretion of PMG Leadership.

13. Refund Policy: PMG does not issue refunds for weather, disasters, civil unrest, public emergencies, or personal matters. All payments for parade applications are non-refundable upon submission. If your Organization has a change in circumstances and cannot participate in the Parade after paying for an application, please reach out to PMG Leadership to discuss your options.
    
    
14. Representative Signature: A representative from your Organization must sign the application and confirm that they provided the Rules & Regulations to all participants in the Parade, including the vehicle driver. 

In exchange for the right to participate in tany event produced by Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc or Pensacola Mardi Gras Foundation, the undersigned, who is the driver of that certain vehicle, as mentioned herein above, and/or a duly authorized representative of: