Float Preparation Information

• All float entries must be drawn to scale and submitted for approval by the Homecoming Executive Committee. Drawings must include a) accurate details of the float, b) top and side views, c) mechanical drawings of all moving parts, and d) accurate drawing of all electrical systems.
• Any changes must be resubmitted and approved by the Coordinators and Homecoming Executive Director.
• Each tow vehicle must contain a portable, readily available fire extinguisher with the rating of a 2A, 10B:C.
• Generators must be placed on the tow vehicle and must be capable of providing the needed electrical service. Each generator must contain a minimum of two electrical outlets.
• Mechanical devices powered by humans are permitted when adequate safety measures are provided. The person(s) must be provided with an emergency exit. Anyone used for powering mechanical devices must be provided with proper decking and guardrails.
• No float kits will be eligible for competition.
• Maximum float size will be 14 feet in height, 65 feet in length, and 10 feet in width.
• All floats must identify their organization with one and a half square foot letters.
• All decorations and displays must be registered as an official entry.
• All paints used for decoration must be water based. Water based paints are acceptable substitutes for fireproof materials and paints.
• Woven fabric material is permitted if it is fireproofed.
• No smoking is permitted on or near floats.
• There must be a 42-inch railing to the outside of all riders.
• The Parade Coordinators will determine float position in the parade and that decision will be FINAL.
• Floats must proceed at a minimum speed of three miles per hour and a maximum of five miles per hour.
• Distribution of any food items, merchandise, or printed materials is strictly prohibited.
• No one shall be on or near the float while it is being judged. Judging will take place before the parade begins.
• There are to be no alcoholic beverages on the float at any time.

University of Minnesota
Homecoming Parade of Heroes
Official Parade Rules and Regulations, 2002

Floats

1. Each tow vehicle must contain a portable fire extinguisher with the rating of 2A, 10B:C and be readily available to the operator.
2. Generators must be placed on the tow vehicle and must be capable of providing the needed electrical service. Each generator must contain a minimum of two electrical outlets.
3. All paints used for decoration must be water-based and acceptable substitutes for fireproof materials and paints.
4. No smoking is permitted on or near floats.
5. A 42" railing must be placed to the outside of all riders.
6. Floats must proceed at a minimum speed of 3 mph and a maximum speed of 5 mph.
7. No food items, merchandise, or printed materials may be thrown from floats. THIS BEHAVIOR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. All materials must be passed hand-to-hand.
8. NO alcoholic beverages are allowed on the floats at anytime.
9. All materials applied to / used to make banners must be fireproof.
10. All entries will be subject to a safety inspection by an official from the University of Minnesota Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Management.

Additional Parade Information

Parade Line-up:

• The line-up is set by the Parade Coordinators.
• The order of appearance has been determined by convenience in staging, unit variety, and special needs.

Weather:

• The Homecoming Executive Committee intends to proceed with the parade regardless of rain, snow, or other poor weather conditions.
• In case of severe weather, committee members will decide if the severity is sufficient enough to cancel or delay the parade.
• As the director of your unit, you may decide to drop your unit from the parade if you feel the weather is too threatening.
• In any case, be prepared for all weather situations.

Alcoholic Beverages/Illegal Substances:

• The consumption of any alcoholic beverage/illegal substances by any participant is strictly prohibited.
• If driving the unit, violators will be prosecuted under Minnesota State Law.
• Any violation will result in the removal of the unit form the parade.

Distribution of Materials:

• Materials cannot be thrown or tossed from the parade unit while on the parade route.
• All materials must be passed out hand-to-hand.

Safety:

• Members of the University of Minnesota Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Management will be present the day of the parade.
• Any unit declared "unsafe" for other participants or spectators will be removed from the line-up.