You are viewing the archive of a past Homecoming website. View information about upcoming Homecoming events.

Homecoming 2004: It's Reality | Oct 16-23

goldy on tv

Parade Information

The following information is provided to assist your Float Chairperson (s) in competing in a safe and problem -free parade. Your cooperation in following these guidelines is essential to the success of this year's parade. Any questions should be directed to the Parade Coordinators, Corey Coonen and Raya Jewell.

  1. Entrance into the staging area is at the intersection of 5th Ave and 2nd Street SE. You will be directed where to go after you report to the registration table.
  2. The parade route begins at the intersection of 11th Ave and University Ave SE, and ends at the intersection of University Ave SE and Oak Street.
  3. The parade begins at 10:00 am on Saturday October 23, 2004.
  4. Each float will be checked for alcohol. There will be University Police on hand to check all entries. If groups are found with alcohol, they may face consequences from the University and UMPD. All entries found with alcohol will be disqualified from the parade competition and if you are a University student organization you will be disqualified from the Overall Homecoming competition. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  5. NO SMOKING is permitted ON THE FLOATS or in the staging area, before or during the parade. There will be a smoking area across the street from the staging area. A 10-point deduction will be assessed from final scores each infraction.
  6. Any float, walking entry, banner or presentation that stops along the parade route will receive one warning. Your presentation may do its routine as long as it keeps moving. You will be directed by the Homecoming Executive Committee to briefly stop in front of the Emcee stand for announcement.
  7. Any float, walking entry, banner or presentation that fails to complete the parade route will be disqualified from the competition.
  8. Absolutely nothing may be thrown from the floats during the parade. Any entry caught throwing from floats will be removed from and disqualified from the parade and not permitted to enter the 2005 Homecoming parade.
  9. Each float must be equipped with safety chains and quick-links at all times. This equipment MUST be present at check in. Also, the drivers must have a clear view through the windows and clear access to the door. Any group who does not have this equipment will not be allowed to enter the parade.
  10. With the restricted lane width and height of the staging area on 2nd Street and the closeness to the trees bordering the road in mind, you MUST adhere to float size requirements or you will not participate in the parade.
  11. Failure to report to the registration table at the specified time on the line-up notice will result in point DEDUCTIONS. Please see the Float section for specific deductions.
  12. Any float that is found unsafe by the Parade Coordinators or the University Police will NOT be permitted to participate.

An investment in a rain tarp is suggested in the event that it rains while floats are in the staging area.

POLICE REGULATIONS ON FLOATS:

  1. A 5lb ABC (min 2A/10BC rating) fire extinguisher required for each float. Fire extinguisher MUST be present at time of inspection.
  2. Electrical appliances must be powered by generator or battery.
  3. Wiring connections are secure and safe. No open splices or frayed wiring.
    Generators must be uncovered and not placed within 3’ of combustible materials
  4. Generators shall not be placed in enclosed spaces/vehicles. (Example: A hatchback vehicle with the hatch open is not an approved location for a gas-powered generator).
  5. All heat sources (lights, etc.) are located away from combustible materials.
  6. Safety chains are affixed to float.
  7. Individuals riding on the float are situated in a secure location.
  8. No open flames are permitted on floats or towing vehicles.
  9. Pyrotechnic devices are not permitted in any form without written approval by University officials and must be presented at time of registration.

FIRE REGULATIONS ON FLOATS:

During Homecoming week, many houses build shelters in the yard areas to protect the float as well as provide security for the float. Some of these shelters create a fire hazard, not only for the occupants working inside, but to those in the house. Any shelter that is attached to any house needs to be built of fire resistant materials. Tarps, tents or other membrane need to be labeled or stamped as approved for fire resistance. Care needs to be taken with the use of flammable liquids as well. A properly illuminated egress path needs to be maintained any time the shelter is occupied. At least one 5lb ABC fire extinguisher needs to be displayed near the exit of all tents. Tents that are at least 15 feet from the structure do not need to be flame resistant

House Fronts: 200 points

  1. Rules
    All entries must be drawn to scale and submitted for approval of the Parade Coordinators. Drawings must include:
    1. accurate details of the front,
    2. top and side views,
    3. mechanical drawings of all moving parts, and
    4. accurate electrical drawings. Drawings are due with final registration on Wednesday, October 6, 2004.
  2. Any major changes must be resubmitted and approved by Parade Coordinators and the Homecoming Executive Director.
  3. All items used for decoration must be noncombustible.
  4. Wood scaffolding will NOT be permitted. Wood decking secured to construction grade scaffolding is permitted. Only construction grade scaffolding is permitted.
    • Scaffolding Criteria:
    • Scaffolding must have adjustable footing so that all units can be leveled.
    • Individual scaffolding can NOT exceed two tiers in height.
    • Multiple units, not over three tiers in height, may be separated up to six feet if they are secured at the upper portion of the unit.
    • Multiple units, properly secured and anchored, can NOT exceed six tiers in height.
    • Scaffolding must be slightly canted to the rear when supporting excessive props. No more than three degrees of cant is permitted.
  5. No cellular plastic (i.e. Styrofoam or urethane) is allowed for decoration material.
  6. Woven fabric material is permitted if it is fire proof.
  7. Construction of House Fronts shall be done outside whenever possible, excluding light framing.
  8. All paints used for decorations must be water-based. Water-based paints are acceptable substitutes for fire proofed materials and paints.
  9. All electrical circuits must be ground faulted. Ground faults must originate outside of the house. All circuits must conform to the National Electrical Code and be suited to the weather anticipated.
  10. Mechanical devices powered by humans are permitted when adequate safety measures are provided. The person (s) must be provided with an emergency exit. If the mechanical device and person (s) are elevated, proper derailing guardrails must be provided.
  11. Movements may be done by mechanical means or by manual labor as long as it conforms to the Homecoming Rules and Regulations and is initially approved at the safety meeting and finally approved upon inspection. All mechanical parts (i.e. belts, fans, etc.) must be enclosed.
  12. No one shall be visible on the set during judging.
  13. Smoking on or near the House Front is NOT permitted.
  14. Fronts must be removed by 9 pm on Sunday, October 24, 2004. Failure to remove your front by this time will be grounds for complete disqualification in future competitions.

A. Rules and Regulations - 50 Total Points Possible

  • Organization (s) name is on the house front – 10 Points
  • No airbrush work or paper mache is used – 10 Points
  • Electrical devices are battery or generator powered only. – 10 Points
  • Electrical devices are uncovered and at least 3 ft. from any combustible items– 10 Points
  • The house front is safely constructed and secured. – 10 Points

B. Quality of Construction - 70 Total Points

  1. Does the house front look complete? 15 Points
  2. Does the house front utilize the space effectively? 15 Points
  3. Does the house front look professional? 20 Points
    • Are the decorating materials used consistently?
    • Do the structures on the house front appear stable?
  4. Is the design and color scheme used effectively so that the house front is eye catching and appealing? 20 Points
    Do house front colors match?

C. Originality and Creativity 65 Total Points

  1. Does the house front relate to the group theme? 20 Points
  2. Is the house front original, unique and clever? 20 Points
  3. Does the house front promote U of M spirit? 15 Points
  4. Is the house front in good taste? 10 Points

III. Deductions

  • 10 point deduction for any sketch not turned in during final registration (for University student organizations) on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 in 126 CMU.
  • 10 point deduction for any float that has not complied with the safety regulations at time of inspection (Wednesday, October 20, 2004, Time-TBD)
  • 10 point deduction if organization does not follow scaffolding regulations.
  • 10 point deduction each time organizations do more than superficial repairs the morning of judging.
  • 20 point deduction if you do not comply with the fire regulations page 3

Important Dates for both House Fronts and Floats:
Preliminary Sketches due with registration on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 in the SAO, 126 CMU.
Safety Inspections will take place on Wednesday, October 20, 2004. Time is TBD.

Any questions concerning House Fronts should be directed to the Parade Coordinators, Corey Coonen (coon0061@umn.edu) and Raya Jewell (jewe0041@umn.edu).

FLOAT COMPETITION: 200 POINTS

Judging will take place prior to the parade on Saturday, October 23, 2004.

I. Rules

  1. Due at the time you register (deadline for University student organizations is Wednesday, October 6, 2004), you must provide a preliminary sketch of your 1st theme choice. This will help eliminate repetition during the parade.
  2. Floats must report to the parade check-in table at your designated check-in time. 30 points will be deducted if you are late. If organizations are more than 10 minutes late, organizations will be disqualified and WILL NOT participate in the parade.
  3. Floats must be complete upon arrival at the staging area for check -in. There will be a 10-point deduction each time organizations do more than superficial repairs. (i.e. minor surface level repairs, which do not require the use of heavy tools or power equipment)
  4. UMPD strictly prohibits anything being thrown from the floats.
  5. Organization (s) name must appear on the float.
  6. Organizations cannot use paper mache or air brush during float construction.
  7. Float dimensions must NOT exceed 8ft wide x 45ft long x 15 ft high.
  8. Floats must be pulled by a horse or motor vehicle.
  9. Float order will be determined at randomly by the Parade Coordinators.
  10. Smoking is NOT PERMITTED on or near floats at any time.
  11. One person must be with your float at all times while in the staging area.
  12. DO NOT VANDALIZE. Any organization (s) caught vandalizing WILL BE DISQUALIFIED from the overall competition.
  13. All safety equipment must be present at check-in, at the staging area while waiting for the start of the parade, and throughout the parade, or organizations will be disqualified.
  14. Each tow vehicle must contain a portable 5 lb fire extinguisher with the rating of 2A, 10B:C and be readily available to the operator.
  15. 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.
  16. All paints used for decoration must be water-based and acceptable substitutes for fireproof materials and paints.
  17. All floats must have a 42” railing must be placed to the outside of all riders.
  18. Floats must proceed at a minimum speed of 3 mph and a maximum speed of 5 mph.
  19. Any float deemed unsafe or inappropriate by the Parade Coordinators or University of Minnesota Police will be removed from the parade and disqualified from the competition.

Any questions concerning float order should be directed to the Parade Coordinators, (coon0061@umn.edu) and Raya Jewell (jewe0041@umn.edu).

II. Scoring Criteria

A. Rules and Regulations - 70 Total Points Possible

  1. Organization(s) name is on the float – 10 Points
  2. The float meets size regulations – 10 Points
  3. No airbrush work or paper mache is used – 5 Points
  4. Float is pulled by a motor vehicle or horse only – 5 Points
  5. Electrical devices are battery or generator powered only. – 5 Points
  6. Electrical devices are uncovered and at least 3 ft. from any combusti ble items– 10 Points
  7. The float is safely constructed and contents are secured. – 10 Points
  8. The safety equipment (fire extinguisher, safety chains, reflector, etc.) is present at check-in. – 15 Points

B. Quality of Construction - 65 Total Points

  1. Does the float look complete? 15 Points
  2. Does the float utilize the flatbed space effectively? 10 Points
  3. Does the float look professional? 20 Points
    1. Are the decorating materials used consistently?
    2. Do the structures on the float appear stable?
  4. Is the design and color scheme used effectively so that the float is eye- catching and appealing? 20 Points
    1. Does the float have moving parts, lights, or entertaining people on board to enhance the effect?
    2. Do the float’s colors match?

C. Originality and Creativity 65 Total Points

  1. Does the float relate to the group theme? 20 Points
  2. Is the float original, unique and clever? 20 Points
  3. Does the float promote U of M spirit? 15 Points
  4. Is the float in good taste? 10 Points

III. Deductions

  • 10 point deduction for any sketch not turned in during final registration (for University student organizations) on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 in 126 CMU.
  • 10 point deduction for any float that has not complied with the safety regulations at time of inspection (Wednesday, October 20, 2004, Time- TBD)
  • 10 point deduction if organization does not follow scaffolding regulations.
  • 10 point deduction each time organizations do more than superficial repairs the morning of judging.
  • 20 point deduction if you do not comply with the fire regulations page 3