1. Parade Committee Authority

All participants must comply with instructions provided by parade officials, volunteers, law enforcement personnel, and event staff.

The NC Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Committee reserves the right to deny, remove, or reject any participant, entry, vehicle, organization, display, performance, or activity before, during, or after lineup if it is determined to be unsafe, disruptive, inappropriate, or inconsistent with the mission of the event.

2. Event Purpose

The NC Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony exists to honor the men and women who served our nation, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

All entries should reflect the patriotic, respectful, and commemorative nature of Memorial Day.

3. Participant Conduct

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner at all times.

Participants whose behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, offensive, or inconsistent with the spirit of the event may be removed from the parade and may be denied participation in future events.

4. Children and Youth Participants

Children participating in the parade must be under the supervision of a responsible adult at all times.

Organizations participating with youth members are responsible for ensuring appropriate supervision throughout the event.

5. Vehicle Requirements

All motorized vehicles:

• Must be operated safely at all times.

• Must be operated by a licensed driver.

• Must maintain current registration and insurance as required by law.

• Must follow all directions provided by parade officials and law enforcement.

Unsafe or reckless driving may result in immediate removal from the parade.

6. Parade Spacing and Movement

All participants are expected to maintain appropriate spacing between entries and follow instructions regarding parade movement and lineup procedures.

Participants may be directed to close gaps, adjust positioning, or modify movement to maintain parade flow and public safety.

7. Music and Sound

Music, sound systems, and recorded announcements are permitted when appropriate to the entry and event atmosphere.

The Parade Committee reserves the right to request adjustments to volume levels or content that may be deemed inappropriate for the event.

8. Announcer Information

Participants may submit information about their organization or entry for use by event announcers.

The Parade Committee reserves the right to edit submitted information for clarity, length, or appropriateness.

9. Distribution of Materials

For the safety of participants and spectators:

• No objects, candy, promotional items, or materials may be thrown from any entry.

• Approved materials may be handed directly to spectators in a safe manner.

Failure to comply may result in removal from the parade.

10. Animals

Organizations participating with horses or other animals are responsible for:

• Animal control and supervision.

• Cleanup and sanitation.

• Compliance with applicable health and safety requirements.

All animals must be listed on the participation application.

11. Prohibited Activities

The following are prohibited:

• Smoking within designated parade assembly areas and parade route staging areas.

• Alcohol or illegal substances.

• Open flames.

• Fireworks, pyrotechnics, or explosive devices.

• Firearms or weapon demonstrations not specifically authorized by the Parade Committee and appropriate authorities.

• Any activity that presents a safety risk to participants or spectators.

12. Emergency Access

All participants must immediately yield to emergency vehicles, first responders, and public safety personnel.

13. Photography and Media

Photographs, video recordings, and other media may be captured during the event.

By participating in the parade, participants acknowledge that images and recordings may be used by the NC Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony for promotional, educational, historical, or archival purposes.

14. Changes, Delays, or Cancellation

The Parade Committee reserves the right to modify event schedules, routes, procedures, participant assignments, or other event-related arrangements as necessary.

Event activities may be delayed, modified, or canceled due to weather, safety concerns, emergencies, or circumstances beyond the committee's control.

15. Participation Eligibility

Failure to comply with these policies or event instructions may impact eligibility for future participation.

The decision of the NC Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Committee regarding participation is final.