Homecoming Parade Requirements
Parade Rules & Guidelines
MSUM would like to offer a reminder that a parade is a community event and everyone from small children, to students and alumni will be attending. These are general MSUM Parade Requirements and they are applicable to all parade units and participants.
- Parade entries are not permitted to display or promote alcoholic beverages or consumption. All units must adhere to the University’s Student Code of Conduct, City of Moorhead policies, and State of MN policies. University policy is available upon request.
- The use of alcoholic beverages or other illegal substances will not be permitted prior to or during the parade. Any participants that are believed to be in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the float or the float will be disqualified.
- Only items generally considered for human consumption and individually wrapped may be handed out by parade units unless specific permission has been granted by the Homecoming Office, 477.2524. To prevent children from running into the streets and to ensure their safety, candy must be given out by persons walking along side the unit. Handouts, including political literature or campaign materials may be passed out along the parade route. Items must be given out by persons walking along side of unit.
- No motorized unit may exceed 15 ft. wide, 15ft high and 40ft long (not including the length of the pulling vehicle).
- All motorized units must proceed at a slow parade pace. No speeding up, skidding, sudden breaking or car tricks (ex: break stands) will be allowed.
- All drivers must be 16 years of age, posses a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
- Helmets are required for all riders of bicycles, skateboards, scooters (motorized or not) and motorcycles.
- The number of people on any unit may not exceed what can be safely accommodated. If the number on any unit appears unsafe, the Homecoming Parade Committee reserves the right to limit the number of participants on the unit.
- All motorized entries must be equipped with working brakes and be in good mechanical condition. Appearance of smoke is not acceptable. The Homecoming Parade Committee reserves the right to make decisions on the mechanical condition of units.
- Fire of any sort is not permitted in the parade staging area, parade route, or parade tear-down location.
- Violations of any of the above Requirements/policies/policies, may lead to units being removed from the parade route at any time and/or being banned from future parades.
- All organizations wishing to enter a unit in the parade must submit a brief description or sketch and an entry form no later than the deadline on the entry form. Forms must be received by 5 p.m on the specified deadline date. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Floats
- Floats are defined as units that have wheels and are pulled by a vehicle. Tractors under 160 horsepower, cars and small trucks will be allowed to pull floats through the parade.
- Dimensions of the float may not exceed 15 ft. wide, 15 ft. high and 40 ft. long (not including the length of the pulling vehicle).
- The running gear of the float must be able to maneuver around corners.
- The Parade Committee and MSUM shall not be responsible for any damages or injuries incurred to floats or their passengers entered in the parade (this includes set-up, during parade, and tear down).
- Float drivers must remain with their floats from their designated check in time until the parade is dispersed.
Decorated Cars
- All decorated cars must be equipped with working brakes and be in good mechanical condition.
Non-Motorized Units
- A non-motorized unit may include a wagon or cart, pulled by hand or by animal. If using animals, must clean up after the animal and provide documentation of insurance.
Political Official/Candidates
- Candidates who are running for a congressional, state elected, state legislative or city/county office may have their own parade unit in the parade, however a vehicle/sign will not be provided.
Other Information
- The MSUM Homecoming Parade Committee is comprised of students and staff advised by the Assistant Director of Activities & Greek life. Representatives will review all parade units regarding adherence to rules and their decisions are final. Failure to comply with any section of the policy will automatically disqualify the unit from participation in the parade. Any unit violating parade requirements or behaving in an unsafe manner while on the parade route will be removed at that time. In addition, the violating group(s) may be banned from future parades.