Parade Application

2025 Veterans Day Parade Information

Date & Time
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Parade Begins at 3:00 PM

Parade Route
The parade will begin at the intersection of MLK Jr. Blvd. and Cherry Street.
It will proceed down Cherry Street, turn right onto Second Street, and continue down Mulberry Street, ending at MLK Jr. Blvd.

 
Contact
Sarah Ford
sford@cherryblossom.com

 
Application Instructions
To participate in the parade, the following must be submitted by the application deadline:

Completed Application
Registration Fee (if applicable)
Proof of Insurance
 
Application Deadline
Friday, October 24, 2025

 
Acceptance & Notification
Notifications of acceptance will be sent by Monday, October 27, 2025.
The main contact is responsible for sharing all parade details with their unit.
Patriotic themes for floats and vehicles are highly encouraged.
Dance teams will not be accepted.
 
Registration Fees
Schools & Military Units: Free
Macon-Bibb County Units: Free
Non-Commercial Units (Nonprofits, Faith-Based, Community Groups): $100
Commercial Units (Businesses & Corporations): $150
 
Political Participation Policy
The Cherry Blossom Festival is nonpartisan.

No campaigning is permitted in the parade.
Only currently elected officials (as of November 10, 2025) may participate, and only in recognition of their office.
Campaign signs, slogans, or promotional materials are strictly prohibited.
 
Insurance Requirements
For Commercial & Non-Commercial Applicants:
Comprehensive General Liability (CGL): Minimum $500,000
Float Units: Must also carry Commercial Auto Insurance: Minimum $500,000
Certificates must include the following:

Certificate Holder:
Macon Georgia Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc.
794 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201
Additional Insured:
Macon Georgia Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. must be listed as Additional Insured on both CGL and Auto policies.
Cancellation Clause:
Must state that the policy cannot be canceled or reduced without 30 days' notice via certified mail to the address above.
For Individual Vehicle Applicants:
Must provide proof of minimum auto liability insurance:

$100,000 per person
$300,000 per occurrence
$100,000 property damage
Applicants who fail to meet these insurance requirements will not be allowed to participate.

 
Vehicle Guidelines
All drivers must:

Be at least 18 years old
Possess a valid driver’s license
Have proof of insurance per Georgia state law
 

Float Builder Contact
If your group is interested in having a float made, please reach out to:

Kip Dingler
478-256-8944
kipdingler@bellsouth.net

Patriotic-themed floats are strongly encouraged.

2025 Veterans Day Parade Participation Agreement & Liability Waiver

Macon, Georgia – Sunday, November 9, 2025

By submitting this form, our organization agrees to participate in the Veterans Day Parade hosted by the Macon Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival. If selected to participate, we acknowledge and agree to the following:

 
Media & Publicity Release
We irrevocably grant Macon Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival the exclusive right to use our organization's name, likeness, photos, or any reproduction of our performance in any form of media, including for promotional and advertising purposes, without compensation. We release the Festival, its employees, sponsors, volunteers, and agents from any liability or claim arising from such use.

 
Assumption of Risk & Liability Release
We acknowledge the risks inherent in parade participation, including but not limited to potential personal injury or property damage. On behalf of our organization, members, and all those under our direction or control, we hereby waive and release all claims against the Macon Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and volunteers for any such injuries or damages, even if caused in whole or part by their negligence.

Furthermore:

We understand the Festival does not provide insurance for parade participants or their property.
We assume full responsibility for our safety and the safety of our property and participants.
We agree to comply with all local, state, and federal laws, including those related to driver licensing and insurance requirements if operating a vehicle.
 
Rules & Regulations Compliance
NO ITEMS MAY BE THROWN OR TOSSED along the parade route — this includes candy.

Violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the parade and forfeiture of any registration fees.
All participants agree to refrain from the use of alcohol or drugs during line-up, on parade units, or along the parade route.
All drivers must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, and carry the state-required insurance coverage.
 
Participant Acknowledgment
I, the undersigned, have read and understood this agreement. I agree to its terms on behalf of myself and all individuals participating under my organization. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above may result in our unit's removal from the parade and/or disqualification from future events.