Carpinteria Independence Day Parade — Rules & Guidelines

Introduction

  Thank you for participating in the Carpinteria Independence Day Parade! To create a joyful, safe, and family-friendly celebration of our community and our country, we ask that all parade entrants adhere to the following guidelines.  

General Rules

   Registration: All participants must complete the registration process by the registration deadline date listed on the registration form. Unregistered entries will not be allowed to participate. Theme Adherence: All floats and participants should reflect the parade's Independence Day / patriotic theme.   

Political and Campaign Activity

  The Carpinteria Independence Day Parade is a community celebration, not a campaign event. To keep the parade welcoming and non-partisan in character, the rules below apply equally to every entry, regardless of party, candidate, cause, or viewpoint.   Group identification is welcome. Civic, political, and community organizations may march under a single banner or sign that identifies the group by name (for example, the name of the organization). Theme-appropriate flags are welcome. Flags consistent with the Independence Day theme, including United States flags, may be carried or displayed. No campaign or electioneering materials. Signs, banners, placards, stickers, promotional items distributed to spectators, or float content that promotes or opposes a specific candidate, ballot measure, party slate, or campaign is not permitted. No distribution of political literature. Handing out flyers, pamphlets, or campaign literature along the route is not permitted. (Consistent with the parade's general no-distribution policy below, walkers may hand small theme-appropriate items to spectators where allowed, but not campaign or political materials.) Non-partisan character. Entries may not use the parade as a platform for partisan campaigning, voter solicitation, or candidate promotion. Organizers reserve the right to require the removal of any material inconsistent with the family-friendly, non-campaign character of the parade, and to disqualify entries that do not comply. This authority will be applied evenhandedly to all entries.   

Parade Safety

   Vehicle Safety: Drivers must have a valid driver's license and adhere to a 2–5 mph speed limit throughout the parade route. Animal Participation: All animals must be leashed or restrained. Animals must be well-trained and comfortable in crowds. Handlers must clean up after their animals. Throwing Objects: Throwing candy or other objects from floats is prohibited. Walkers may hand items to spectators. Alcohol and Drugs: The consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs is strictly prohibited during the parade. Weapons: No weapons of any kind are allowed. Emergency Procedures: Participants must adhere to the procedures outlined by the parade organizers and local law enforcement. No Stopping: Stopping or performing in a way that halts the parade flow is not permitted.   All parade vehicles must remain within the designated parade route and must not enter any public roadways unless they are legally permitted to do so. Specifically, participants must ensure that all individuals are seated securely during the parade and refrain from standing or engaging in activities (such as playing instruments) in the back of vehicles while in motion on public streets. The safety of our participants and spectators is a top priority, and failure to comply with these safety measures could result in disqualification from future participation.  

Float & Vehicle Rules

   Size Restrictions: Floats must adhere to the specified dimensions for height, length, and width as per your entry form. Safety Rails: All floats must have safety rails or barriers. Fire Extinguisher: Each float should have a fire extinguisher. Decorations: All float decorations must be securely fastened. Rider Safety: Riders must remain seated and wear safety belts if available.   

Attire and Conduct

   Family-Friendly: All attire and behavior must be appropriate for a family audience. Inappropriate language or conduct will result in removal from the parade. Parade Theme: Costumes and floats are encouraged to reflect the parade's Independence Day / patriotic theme.   

Miscellaneous

   Music and Sound: All music and sound effects must be kept at a reasonable volume, as determined by parade organizers. Clean-Up: Participants are responsible for cleaning up their area at the staging and disbanding areas. Late Arrivals: Late arrivals risk exclusion from the parade. Please arrive on time.   Failure to comply with any of these guidelines may result in immediate disqualification and removal from the parade. If you have any questions or concerns about these guidelines, please contact parades@carpinteriaevents.com.  Thank you for helping us create a joyful and safe event for the entire community!