2010 BASIC RULES & REGULATIONS

All entries are by Invitation of the Parade Committee

Each participating unit must carry an identifying sign or banner in the parade. Signs and banners must be professionally produced. The sign or banner tells uptown spectators who you are and helps the television viewing audience identify you as you appear along the parade route.

Floats
Floats fall into two categories
(1) Professionally Built & Sponsored (selected from floats available for rent through Carolinas' Carrousel)

                                                                  or
(2) Self-Built – design must be submitted to parade committee for consideration and approval

All floats must be towed by towing units approved by the parade committee. If float is rented through Carolinas Carrousel, a towing vehicle will be provided, unless other arrangements are requested.

Floats may feature the sponsor's designated participants or selected Carrousel celebrities, depending on the sponsorship level.

Floats cannot exceed 13.5 feet in height or 16 feet in width. Maximum length of the unit including towing vehicle cannot exceed 55 feet.

To receive a sponsorship proposal, Email info@carrouselparade.org.

To submit a Self-Built float for consideration, use our Data Sheet to provide specific details with a photo and/or sketch.

Marching Bands
The marching band program is designed primarily for high school bands. Community bands and college bands may be included in the parade from time to time but are not guaranteed travel dollars, are not scored for the Spirit award and will be required to remit a $50 entry fee. See Marching Band Rules and Regulations for additional details.

Marching Band members must be in uniforms. In addition, persons who accompany the marching band, e.g., boosters, parents, escorts, etc., must wear an article of clothing such as a sweatshirt, jacket, sash, etc., that identifies them as part of that unit. This presents a cohesive and coordinated group appearance for the benefit of spectators and television audiences.

Special Units
This category includes a wide variety of items and offers an extra opportunity to let your creativity show. Entries such as costumed characters, specialty vehicles, celebrity guests, antique cars and novelty units make up the Special Units section. (Complete Data Sheet and provide photo or artist’s rendering for consideration.)

Members of walking or marching special units must wear costumes or uniforms to identify them as part of that unit. In addition, persons who accompany the marching band, e.g., boosters, parents, escorts, etc., must wear an article of clothing such as a sweatshirt, jacket, sash, etc., that identifies them as part of that unit. This presents a cohesive and coordinated group appearance for the benefit of spectators and television audiences.

Decorated Cars
Decorated cars will not be permitted other than for invited distinguished/celebrity guests, government officials, and representatives of festivals with which we have reciprocal appearance agreements.

Drivers of cars/vehicles in the parade must maintain forward motion unless instructed otherwise by parade officials. This includes instances when passengers in the car are being interviewed on-air during the parade broadcast. Stopping impedes the progress and pacing of the parade.

Decorated cars are defined as those vehicles used for business or personal transportation not specifically designed for parade or trade show use. Street cars decorated for "advertising purposes only" are not permitted.

Step Units/Drill Teams/ Community Marching Groups
The parade committee makes the selection of units from applications and demo tapes provided by all interested groups. They use the Drill Team form to apply. All members of any marching unit must be at least 10 years of age. (See Step Unit/Drill Team Rules and Regulations.)

Members of step units, drill teams or community marching groups must wear costumes or uniforms to identify them as part of that unit. In addition, persons who accompany the marching band, e.g., boosters, parents, escorts, etc., must wear an article of clothing such as a sweatshirt, jacket, sash, etc., that identifies them as part of that unit. This presents a cohesive and coordinated group appearance for the benefit of spectators and television audiences.

Parade Drivers
All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years old.

Distribution of Items on Parade Day
Absolutely nothing can be thrown from cars or floats. Sponsors wishing to distribute gifts, merchandise, literature or other items along the line of march must have adequate personnel to "hand" the items to spectators individually and must have written permission of the Parade Committee.

Performance Expectations
All performances must be in good taste compatible with the Carolinas' Carrousel's mission to enhance our community life through quality family-oriented entertainment and the promotion of academic and artistic excellence. Routines and/or expressions of a lewd, obscene nature are expressly prohibited. Likewise, actions portraying violent, abusive and/or offensive behavior are not appropriate.

All marching units must maintain forward motion. Counter marching, reverse marching, and/or stopping the forward motion of the parade without specific instructions to do so from a parade official will not be permitted and will be grounds for removal. Vehicles must also maintain forward motion unless parade officials instruct otherwise. Marshals will be present along the parade route to monitor pacing. Instructions from these marshals must be followed.

All members of any marching unit must be at least 10 years of age.

Insurance Requirements
All entrants must provide evidence of current Comprehensive General Liability Insurance including Contractual Liability (Limits of $1,000,000 Bodily Injury and Property Damage combined in an insurance company with a Best's rating of A or A+ is a minimum requirement). If you do not have liability insurance coverage, your insurance agency can advise you on securing "event insurance" to cover your participation in the parade. Entries lacking insurance will not be considered or allowed in the parade.

Release and Indemnity
All entrants must sign and return a provided release and indemnity statement agreeing to indemnify Carolinas' Carrousel, Inc., its officers, directors and employees and hold them harmless with respect to all defenses that they shall be required to make in connection with any claim or action arising out of the participants involvement with the parade and/or other festival activities.

Parade Participation Pricing
Entry fees for participation in the parade are as follows. Sponsorship packages are presented with this fee included. For more information, see Parade Participation Pricing sheet.
>Self built floats - $1,000
>Basic floats – For profit businesses: $3,000; Non-profits: $2,000*
Floats with sponsor-specific décor design available at an additional fee. See sponsorship package for details.

>Novelty and Special Units – For profit businesses: $750; Non-profits: $375*

>Step Units/Drill Teams and Marching Bands (other than High School Marching Bands) - $50

*501 (c) 3 tax ID # must be provided

Entry fees are non-refundable.

Application Deadlines for Participation

Information must be submitted to the parade office in hard copy. Deadlines vary by unit type. Click on link above for details. The total number of units in the parade is limited. Please note that we encourage submission of information prior to listed deadlines.