(A) Float defined. For the purposes of this chapter, a FLOAT shall be defined as a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle like a truck or trailer towed behind a vehicle. A vehicle that is not built on, is not a float.
(B) All drivers participating in the parade must have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance for the vehicle being operated in accordance with the Indiana law. All entries must acknowledge and ensure compliance prior to participation.
(C) Speed of the parade will be no more than five mph at any point in time.
(D) Vehicles and parade units may not be more than 12 feet in height and not more than 12 feet wide. Length shall not exceed 50 feet including the length of the tow vehicle. Semi tractors type units are prohibited from pulling a trailer in the parade due to restricted turning radius of the parade route.
(E) No children under 12 will be permitted to ride on a float without adult supervision. Units with participants under this age are to have an adult chaperone ratio of one to ten.
(F) All children under 16 years old and riding a bicycle, skateboard, hoverboard or wearing inline skates, roller-skates or similar, must wear proper safety equipment. This includes a helmet at all times during the parade.
(G) Units with sirens and or air horns like tow trucks and emergency apparatus may only operate sirens and/or horns in a short three second burst and no more than six times in a one-minute time frame.
(H) Decorative material used on parade floats shall be flame resistant whenever possible. All heat sources (lights etc.) must be located away from all combustible materials.
(I) A minimum of one two and a half pound multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher shall be provided by the participant of the float. The fire extinguisher must be in an accessible location, be currently certified and maintained in operable condition and present at the time of the parade.
(J) All wiring and wiring connections must be located where they are not exposed to physical damage, secured to float, and maintained in a safe condition.
(K) All generators must be uncovered, and exhaust discharge not located within three feet of combustible materials. Generators shall not be in enclosed spaces or the passenger compartment of vehicles (e.g., hatchback vehicles with the hatch open in not an approved location for a gas-powered generator).
(L) Safety chains must be affixed from the towing vehicle to the float. The operator of the parade unit is to ensure compliance prior to the start of the parade.
(M) Fireworks or open flame devices are prohibited on parade floats. The use of fuel fired torches, candles or similar devices which can ignite the parade float are prohibited. No smoking on or near any floats at any time.
(N) Individuals riding on the float must be in a secure location, (seated or provided with a secure handhold e.g., railing, pole, handle). When a standing or riding areas is located at 42 inches or greater above the base of the float, a solid wall or railings with balusters with three-inch spacing are to be installed for the protection of the rider. Participants are prohibited from mounting or dismounting parade units when in motion.
(O) Normal unobstructed vision to the front, sides and rear of the towing vehicle must be provided to the vehicle operator. Should the view be obstructed a safety walker is to be present on each side of the unit.
(P) When animals are included, precautions should be taken within parade line-ups to ensure animals are well cared for and are not startled by other participants or noises which could cause a public safety hazard. Animals that are not ridden, should be confined in some manner like a leash, lead or tether no greater that six feet in length. Parade organizers should also account for animal debris removal.
(Q) Drivers impaired by medications, or drugs including alcohol, regardless of prescribed or recreation prior to and during pa1ticipation in the parade is prohibited. Violations are subject to penalty of law.
(R) Throwing items such as candy from floats to viewers or passing out items such as flyers or leaflets is only allowed during day light parades and will be prohibited after dusk.
(S) Automobiles, trucks, and farm tractors are not to be on the parade route side by side or in parallel. They are to remain single file. This does not apply to garden tractors, golf carts, motorbike or similar units.
(Ord. passed 10-17-23)