Steel Dynamics Three Rivers Festival Parade

When: Saturday, July 13, 2024

Location: Historic West Central Neighborhood and Downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana

Parade Theme: "Allen County Bicentennial"
Parade Application Deadline: June 15, 2024Applications are welcome from all interested groups; Three Rivers Festival reserves the right to decline any application/entry. Parade entries which are primarily advertising in nature are not permitted. 
Each applicant may only choose one type of parade unit. Please do not fill out multiple unit types. For example, if you are a float, please do not fill out any information under walking, motorized, etc. Please only fill out the section under parade float. Same goes for all other unit types. If multiple unit areas are filled out, your application will be rejected. Please call the festival office, 260-426-5556, if you have any questions before submitting your application.
 
 

Since 1969, the Three Rivers Festival has grown to become Indiana's second largest summer festival, an annual nine-day community celebration. The Three Rivers Festival is a not-for-profit organization, funded entirely by vendor participation fees, souvenir sales, refreshments & entertainment ticket sales, and the generous sponsorship and support of area businesses.

Parade Criteria - For ALL Entries
1. Minimum age to ride on any unit is 5 years old. 
2. If walking, children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and have a stroller or wagon available in case of fatigue. Any exceptions to age limits must be pre-approved by TRF.
3. All participants are expected to be of sound mind and body, sober and cooperative with Parade officials before and during the Parade. Failure to comply will result in immediate removal of parade.
4. All entries must arrange for power, helium or any other supplies needed for set-up/tear-down of their unit.
5. All entries are responsible for ensuring their unit can safely fit on the Parade route (considering trees, street lights, turns, etc.)
6. Your organization's name must be an integral part of your unit, or may appear on a banner preceding or following your unit. Any advertising should be covered. Website address and phone number for your company may be displayed. Use of partisan political signs or other political material on any entry is prohibited on or around the Parade route. Any controversial statements, pictures or actions may cause your unit to be ejected from the parade.
7. All entries must incorporate the parade theme: "Celebrating 200 Years of Allen County."
 
Policy on Candy/Handouts
Parade units will be able to pass out candy, pencils, and toys, but will not be able to throw out the candy, pencils, and toys. There will be no passing out of business cards, flyers or handouts of any kind.  
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations and refund requests must be in writing (or email) and received by TRF prior to May 29, 2024. 
If approved, any refund will be assessed a $25 administration fee.
Cancellations after May 29, 2024, are not eligible for refunds. Float Criteria

1. A float shall consist of a low flat trailer (farm type), boat trailer (heavy duty), mobile home frame or other suitable frame with pneumatic tired wheels.
2. 2. All applications MUST be accompanied by a sketch or photo of the proposed entry. The final entry must adhere to the original concept. Any variation or change requires prior approval of the Parade Committee. If a variance has not been granted, the entry is subject to elimination (on grounds of misrepresentation) at marshalling.
3. 3. The approved towing units are:  riding lawn mower or garden tractor, SUV, pick-up truck, ATV, UTV, Mule.  All vehicles must be decorated (you must include vehicles design with your sketch) Self-propelled units (those in which the towing unit is an integral part of the float design) are also encouraged. 
4. 4. The float design MUST reflect the Parade theme. A sponsor’s name on either commercial or non-commercial entries may appear on the float or on a banner preceding the float. Only authorized signage (that which appeared on the approved sketch or drawing) will be permitted.
5. 5. The following minimum/maximum size restrictions apply:
6. (a) Length: Min 12', Max 60'
7. (b) Width:  Min 7', Max 12'
8. (c)Height: No minimum, Max 14' --Important because of railroad underpasses!
9. (d) Flatbed Clearance: Min 2', Max 4'
10. (e) Skirting Clearance: Min 1", Max 2" 
11. (f) Float Framework must be steel, aluminum, wood or other solid material, covered by chicken wire, plastic netting, sprayed canvas or other suitable material. The outer surface may be covered with poms, foil, paper mache, live or artificial flowers, cloth, garlands, fringes, petals, papers, grass mat or paint. Lettering may be cut from wall board or any other material, to which paint, glitter, foil, floral or other covering may be applied.
12. 6. Animation and music are highly desirable. 
13. 7. No unit is permitted to STOP to perform during the Parade.  This includes all specialty units such as mini-bikes, go-karts, and mini airplanes.  All choreography, acts or demonstrations must be accomplished while moving forward unless an exception is granted IN ADVANCE by the Parade Committee.  
14. 8. When transporting the float to the Parade site, it is a good idea to cover it with polyethylene for protection from sun, wind and rain.
15. 9. The following safety measures are required:
16. (a) Float materials and costumes made of flame-proof material (or sprayed with a flame-proofing solution of 7 oz. borax, 3 oz. powdered boric acid, and 2 quarts hot water).A fire extinguisher aboard the float or towing unit.
17. (b) Safety type couplers for all towing connections.
18. (c) Carefully secured lug nuts on all wheels.
19. (d) Tires of good quality.
20. 10. Children under age 10 must be in a restraint or supervised at all times by at least one adult. Minimum age to ride on float is 5 years, unless pre-approved by TRF.
21. 11. Only 15 people are permitted to walk alongside the float.
22. 12. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.

Walking Unit Criteria

1. Each unit is allowed a maximum of thirty-five (35) people, including sign bearers.
2. 2. Everyone must be able to keep up with the pace of the Parade.
3. 3. Each walking unit MUST be costumed and have learned a choreographed routine designed to entertain the people along the Parade route.  Lack of use of the current parade theme and ability to do a choreographed routine will affect your unit’s acceptance into the Parade. A parade official will stop by your unit during marshalling to ensure your unit knows the provided choreographed routine that must be performed during the parade.
4. 4. Choreographed routine should be performed while the unit is moving at the Parade pace, and should continue along the entire Parade route.
5. 5. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.
6. 6. Vehicles are not permitted with walking units. Golf carts or wagons may be used as support vehicles, but must be decorated. A picture or sketch of decorated support vehicle must be provided at the time of application to the parade.

Motorized Unit Criteria

1. Motorized Unit refers to any Motorcycle, Car, Truck, or Tractor club.
2. 2. All drivers must be licensed and have proof of insurance.
3. 3. No more than 10 vehicles will be accepted in any one unit.
4. 4. Vehicles must travel through the route side by side, the only exceptions is when passing through any lane restricted area (any such area will be given out before the parade)
5. 5. Vehicles must maintain no more than two car lengths distance between them and the vehicle directly in front of them at all times
6. 6. Please refrain from: Burn offs, Hole shots, Dumping the clutch or any other action that the Three Rivers Festival may deem unsafe and would potentially endanger our parade guests or other parade units. Failure to do so will result in immediate removal from the parade along with further actions being taken by the Fort Wayne Police Department.
7. 7. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.

Spacing between each Parade unit is enforced by Parade officials. A unit will be required to adjust the gap between itself and the preceding unit when directed by Parade officials. Units that cannot keep pace may be asked to leave the Parade route.Marching Band Directors: Please include contact information where we may reach you after school adjourns for the summer.Pacing Captains: Please include contact information where we may reach you before or during the parade.  Marching Band Criteria 
1. Bands are encouraged to perform over as much of the Parade route as possible.
2. No unit is permitted to STOP to perform. All choreography or demonstrations must be accomplished while moving forward, unless an exception is granted IN ADVANCE by the Parade Committee.
3. All members of a Band MUST continue to march forward while turning corners, keeping pace with the rest of the Parade.
4. Bands may not be followed by transportation buses or other large vehicles. This rule will be strictly enforced. Decorated golf carts or wagons ARE allowed as support vehicles on the Parade route.
5. Bands may be identified by banners or signs preceding the groups, or by signage that is an integral part of the group. Vehicles may not be used to identify bands.
6. The band is encouraged to dress appropriately. If the band chooses not to wear regular uniforms, then it should select the dressiest uniform possible for summer weather.
7. Any band stipend given by TRF is contingent on sponsorship obtained and the number of marching bands that qualify to participate in the Parade.

10. All units must be at the specified marshalling spot on time or they will not be allowed to participate.
11.Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observed Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstances which is considered to be unsafe.  Political Unit CriteriaThe following positions are eligible for an entry in the Three Rivers Festival Parade:
(a) President or Vice President of the United States
(b) Governor of the State of Indiana
(c) State Senators
(d) Congressmen
(e) Mayor of the City of Fort Wayne
(f) Allen County Commissioners
(g) Allen County Sheriff
(h) Allen County Judges  

1. Participation must be by the elected official and not a representative of the official.
2. 2. Only elected officials, not those running for office, may participate in the parade.
3. 3. Elected officials may be accompanied by no more than three (3) non-elected persons plus two (2) banner carriers.
4. 4. Banner signage shall be limited to the official’s name and title. No partisan signs or materials are allowed.
5. 5. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.
6. 6. One vehicle per elected official is permitted.

 Pageant Title Holder Criteria

1. One vehicle per title holder is permitted.
2. 2. Each unit may have two (2) banner carriers.
3. 3. Banner signage shall be limited to the title holder's name and title.
4. 4. Driver must be licensed and have proof of insurance.
5. 5. Vehicle must maintain no more than two car lengths distance between them and the unit directly in front of them at all times.
6. 6. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.

 Professional and College Sports Criteria

1. Each unit is allowed a maximum of thirty-five (35) people, including sign bearers.
2. 2. Everyone must be able to keep up with the pace of the Parade.
3. 3. One decorated vehicle per unit for team mascot is permitted.
4. 4. Driver must be licensed and have proof of insurance.
5. 5. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.

 Equestrian Criteria- Max 15 horses.

1. Each unit is required to provide its own sanitation (pooper-scooper or diaper). This will be strictly enforced.
2. 2. Sanitation support must marshal with unit.
3. 3. Each unit will be responsible for providing water for the animals.
4. 4. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.

 Balloon Unit Criteria

1. Each unit is responsible for arranging for helium for their balloons. Balloons will be filled at your marshalling area, which will be provided to each unit in June.
2. 2. Each unit is allowed up to 30 people.
3. 3. Vehicles are not permitted with Balloon units. Golf carts or wagons may be used as support vehicles, but must be decorated. A picture or sketch of decorated support vehicle must be provided at the time of application to the parade. 
4. 4. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.

 Active Military Criteria1. Each unit is allowed to have walkers, military vehicle(s), and a float.
2. Everyone must be able to keep up with the pace of the Parade.
3. Driver must be licensed and have proof of insurance.
4. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.Veteran Unit Criteria

1. Each unit is allowed to have 20 walkers, a military vehicle (ex. duck boat, retired jeep), or a float.
2. 2. Everyone must be able to keep up with the pace of the Parade.
3. 3. Driver must be licensed and have proof of insurance.
4. 4. Parade officials may disqualify an entry at any time if, in their opinion, the entry is not fully observing Parade rules and regulations or if the official observes any behavior or circumstance which is considered to be unsafe.