Please plan to attend the Parade Safety Meeting on Tuesday, July 1st 6 p.m. at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, along with the driver(s) of your entry. We will be going over safety guidelines and provide you with information related to lineup for the day of the parade. Driver(s) must bring their drivers license in order to obtain a permit to drive in the parade.

1. The Parade Committee reserves the right to refuse or
remove any entry, which, in their opinion, does not conform to parade rules.

2. Entries with vehicles, including those pulling floats, are required to be festively decorated.

3. Entries with floats must be safe for passengers/spectators.

4. Entries with animals must be bagged for excrement while in the assembly area and on the parade route.

5. No objects may be thrown along the parade route. This includes candy.

6. Corporate/business sponsorships may only be identified with discreet signage.

7. No vehicles are allowed in the assembly area for parking, drop off or pick up. Only entries that are being driven in the parade can be in this area.

8. If your entry is not in formation (gathered at your numbered station) at the start time of the parade, you may be bumped to the end or denied entry at the discretion of the officials. The parade order is at the discretion of parade officials.

9. This is a FORWARD MOVEMENT PARADE. STOPPING OR
REVERSING DIRECTION along the parade route is not permitted.

10. Performance groups must perform “on-the-go”.

11. The parade has a designated disband area at the end of the parade route. For entries with children, the person coordinating the entry should designate an area for children to be picked up. Remember to assign an adult to chaperone any children in your entry.

12. No smoking or alcoholic beverages on any parade entry at any time.

13. Parade Awards:
Stars & Stripes Grand Prize (formerly Eagle Award)
Awarded to the float judged to be the best overall entry in the parade. Judging factors include alignment with the Independence Day theme, use of patriotic colors, lights and music, creativity, design, and costumes.

Spirit of Freedom Award (formerly Mayor’s Award)
Presented to the float that best embodies the heart and heritage of the Town of Jonesborough while celebrating American freedom. Entries will be judged on theme relevance, representation of community values, use of music and lights, and overall patriotism.

Patriotic Harmony Award – Sponsored by the Jonesborough Schubert Club
Given to the float that best showcases the musical spirit of America and Jonesborough. Judging includes musical selection, creativity, visual design, costume, and energy that reflects American pride.

Stars of Tomorrow Award – Sponsored by Jonesborough Kiwanis
Awarded to the float that best represents children or children’s issues in a patriotic context. Judging will consider creativity, costumes, youth involvement, and alignment with the Fourth of July theme.

Red, White & Food Award – Sponsored by Jonesborough Food Pantry
Presented to the group or float that donates the most food to the Jonesborough Food Pantry. A salute to those helping to feed our community while celebrating America’s spirit of giving. Dropoff dates for food are on Monday June 30thfrom 10a-2pm and Tuesday, July 1st from 4pm to 7pm. Please drop off food to 1521 Persimmon Ridge Rd. Jonesborough, TN 37659. Please contact JAMA at 423-753-3411 for any questions about what to donate. Winning float will be presented a banner to carry during the parade.

American Spirit Honorable Mentions
Recognizing outstanding parade entries that demonstrated exceptional creativity, patriotic flair, and excellence in execution. Judging based on adherence to the Fourth of July theme, visual impact, and originality.

14. I acknowledge and agree to follow the above rules, and I take responsibility for making sure all participants in my registered group are aware of the rules and the consequences if they are broken.