For the safety and well-being of participants and spectators of the parade, the established set of rules will be strictly enforced. Parade marshals are in place to ensure the safety of spectators and participants. The Champaign County Freedom Celebration (CCFC) Committee, and the parade marshals, have the authority to remove any entrant from the parade for failure to comply with these rules:
- Item (including candy) distribution is allowed with the following restrictions: items must be handed to spectators; throwing of items is strictly prohibited. Only prepackaged candy is allowed. Due to safety reasons and city ordinance, no water may be squirted on the spectators.
2. Driver of vehicle must have valid driver’s license and proof of current insurance.
3. The CCFC will not condone protesting during the parade.
4. All vehicles and floats must be decorated and are encouraged to depict this year’s theme.
5. Maximum height of a unit is not to exceed thirteen (13) feet. Maximum length is limited to seventy-five (75) feet. Exceptions may be considered for floats – contact the Parade Chair listed below.
6. Floats and entries must be constructed of fire-retardant materials and equipped with a fire extinguisher.
7. Gaps in the parade should be avoided. To reduce gaps, vehicles should limit their speed to the pace of a slow walk (approximately 2 miles per hour) and stay within two car-lengths of the preceding entry. Please take into consideration that marching bands and walkers may move at a slower pace.
8. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
9. Horse units must designate an individual to clean up after horses at the staging area AND during the parade. Horse units without a designated person will not be allowed to enter the line-up.
10. For safety reasons, only floats and vehicles that are IN the parade will be allowed into the designated staging areas. Anyone who is dropping someone off to be in the parade can park in the South-East lot of State Farm Center. Marching band students should be dropped off in the high school marching band staging area in parking lot E-9 south of Bielfeldt Athletic Administration building. Enter from St. Mary’s Road.
These rules are in place to provide a safe and enjoyable parade experience for everyone. The Champaign County Freedom Celebration Committee assumes no responsibility or liability in the event of injury or accident. Parade line-up and staging assignments will be distributed at the end of June.
Please direct any questions to:
Marie Polk, Parade Chair, ccfcparade@gmail.com
