Frequently Asked Questions

Premium parking ($10) is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the CarShield Field west parking lot. Cash is the only form of payment accepted.

Free, general parking is available at Fort Zumwalt North High School and Christian High School (both on Tom Ginnever Avenue).

Accessible (ADA) parking is available only at Westhoff Park. Free shuttle service will transport patrons to the festival entrance.

General rules

• Creativity is highly encouraged for all parade entries.
• Bonus points are awarded for a)following theme b)music c)mechanical movement.
• Entries with live animals must take care of all animal waste before, during and after parade.
• Improper use of the American Flag will not be permitted.
• No water guns or confetti cannons will be allowed.
• Decorate entries using only fire resistant or flame retardant material.
• Towed floats must replenish candy behind the float or on the side of truck bed.
• Candy should be in pre-wrapped and self-contained packages.
• One support vehicle may be included per entry and decorated – must be listed on the application.
• The use of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
• No entry may sell merchandise along parade route.
• If your float breaks down during the parade, move aside as soon as possible.
• Line-up requests will be considered, but cannot be guaranteed.
• Disputes may be presented to the Festival Manager for clarification during the parade.
• The Heritage and Freedom Fest parade is part of a community-wide celebration in a family-oriented environment. It is not a public forum for debate of civic issues or public policy. The Festival office reserves the right to reject any entry that is inappropriate or at odds with the characteristics of the event.

Safety

• Children under the age of eight (8) are not recommended to ride bikes in the parade and should only ride on floats or vehicles under adult supervision.
• Do not throw candy from the float.
• Bike riders must adhere to state law regarding helmets.
• Bring enough water for walkers to last through the parade.
• It is mandatory to have 4 wheel walkers per float.
• Keep 30 ft. distance between parade entries!

HANDING OUT FIREWORKS IS PROHIBITED.

• Float Dimensions: Max 60 feet in OVERALL length, 14 feet in width or height, including tow vehicles.
• Any entry with a flatbed float or being towed must be fully skirted on 3 sides (two sides and back) for visual appeal.
• Entries must carry a fire extinguisher-at least 2-A, 10-B:C rating accessible to the operator.
• Floats must have hand holds for float riders.
• Floats must have at least four (4) wheel walkers, one wheel walker on each side of float and one wheel walker on each side of vehicle.

• One banner or sign must be carried or displayed in front of all judged entries.
• Banner size requirements: minimum 2 ft. x 2 ft. Maximum of 3 ft. x 25 ft.
• Banner carriers must be capable of keeping the parade pace.
• Signs cannot exceed 2 ft. x 4 ft.
• No “For Sale” signs may be displayed by entries.

• Line up begins at 7:00 a.m.
• Check-in locations will be at each section.
• A parade coordinator will assign you a number and direct you to your line up area.
• All participants must be in place by 8:30 a.m.
• Designate a meeting place for your group for those being dropped off.
• No parking provided at the line up area or along the parade route.
• The entry described on your application is the only entry allowed into the parade.
• All entries must maintain their speed and position throughout the parade.

• All vehicles must be completely restored. Vehicles with missing parts or unfinished paint jobs are not permitted.
• Motorized vehicles must be operated by a licensed driver with liability insurance.

Commercial entries

• Please see application for fees and deadlines.
• Commercial entries are eligible for judging.
• May be sponsored by an individual business or business in a mutual association.
• Commercial entries must decorate toward the parade theme. Commercial vehicles must be decorated more than 75% or will not be permitted event day.
• Entries must adhere to general float requirements.
• A logo or business name may be displayed but float must be further decorated.
• Floats should not be used primarily for advertising purposes.

Political entries

• Political candidates must decorate their entry.
• Magnets and signs are not accepted as decoration.

• For multiple entries within a single organization: list the order they will appear on the application. (Schools with cheerleaders, drum majors, band, drill team.)
• Walkers with children must have a minimum of four (4) adults.
• Performances must be in a forward motion and/or marching routine.
• STOPPING TO PERFORM FOR JUDGES OR TV WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.
• Any action delaying the progress of the parade or creating large gaps are prohibited.

Tuskegee Airmen is the name given to members of the U.S. Army Air Force units in World War II that were comprised primarily of African American flyers and maintenance crews, though a few white officers and trainers were also involved. The group compiled an impressive record, primarily in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, despite facing frequent resistance to their presence in the formerly all-white Army Air Corps.

The pilots and support personnel – both military and civilian, male and female – that served with the segregated 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group during World War II and before the integration of the Armed Forces are considered Tuskegee Airmen. The name originates from the segregated flying training program at Tuskegee Institute Army Air Corps Program, a unit at Tuskegee Army Air Field, located in Tuskegee, Alabama.

The WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) were female pilots who volunteered to fly American military airplanes during World War II. At the time, it was thought that women would be incapable of flying such advanced airplanes – and that they should not be involved in the military in any aviation capacity. But there was a serious shortage of available pilots on the homefront. Many female pilots wanted to help; in order to do this, they needed to convince the top brass that they could do it. To serve their country, these courageous women overcame the challenges raised by those who believed women couldn’t fly.

The WASP program was formed by combining the WAFS (Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron) and the WFTD (Women’s Flying Training Detachment), two units that were set up separately to allow female pilots to support the activities of the military. They were combined as the WASP Program in July 1943.