A copy of these Rules and Regulations for the 2006 Mechanicsville Rotary/Ruritan Christmas Parade are available for download in Microsoft Word format.

Safety 1st

Safety is our primary concern. Please watch out for each other, to make this parade a safe and fun event.

Medical Forms

A medical release form is required for each child under 18 years of age. The form is so treatment can be administered without delay and also, the form is for your protection as well. A member of your group must carry the forms with them so they can be readily available in case of an emergency. Sample forms are available on this site.

Candy or Handouts

For safety reasons, NOTHING IS TO BE THROWN. However, candy or handouts may be passed out along the parade route. Violations of this rule will result in the removal of the unit from the parade and the violating group will not be allowed in next year’s parade

Unit Number Placements

The first vehicle or person for your group or organization MUST display unit numbers, in order to be seen easily by the announcer and the judges. The placement should be in the automobile windshield or someone in your group on the left side, must display it.

Staging

Please be prompt. Arrive at your assigned time. All motorized units need to be at the staging area between 1:30 and 2:00 PM

Division III can arrive at 2:00 PM at the Mechanicsville Elementary School (YOU MUST BE READY TO BE ESCORTED TO HANOVER GREEN DRIVE AT 2:45 PM).

All marching units need to be at the staging area between 2:00 to 2:45 PM.

There will be signs at each staging area, marking where each Division will stage. Please know which division you are assigned to and proceed to your designated staging area. A Parade Marshall will greet you and help you get situated. Also at this time and location, the parade Marshall will mark you present and accounted for and provide you with your UNIT NUMBER.

The staging area is only for parade participants. Please drop off the participants as quick as possible and move your vehicle to the disbanding area. You will not be allowed to park on Hanover Green Drive.

The Parade will step off promptly at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2006

Disbanding

The parade is officially over at the Christmas Tree at Elm Drive. You are encouraged to use the Mechanicsville Recreation Center. Also if you use anywhere along Elm Drive, you must park off the street as not restrict vehicle or pedestrian flow.

Parade Safety Marshals and Staff

Safety marshals and staff will be wearing orange vests. Hanover County Deputy’s will be in uniform.

Names of Participants riding in vehicles

All vehicles carrying Beauty Queens or Officials must have signs displaying the persons’ name and title. Also, vehicles must have organization name or business name displayed. All signs are the responsibility of the unit.

Alcoholic Beverages

Please refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages before, during and after the parade. Anyone disobeying this rule will be removed from the Parade. The entire unit could be removed at the discretion of parade officials.

Santa

No unit other than the float designated by the Parade Committee as the “Official Santa Float,” may have any individuals dressed as Santa, Mrs. Santa or Santa-Like figures or representations thereof.

Float Riders

Float riders under the age of 12, must be accompanied by an adult. Also each unit is responsible for the safety of all its riders. Provisions must be made to ensure their safety.

Walkers & Marchers

Walkers are to be dressed appropriately reflecting the Christmas Season, The Parade Theme or costumed to comply with the theme of the float or group.

Drivers

All drivers must remain with their vehicles or units.

Horses, Animals

Any unit having horses and/or other animals, MUST make arrangements to have droppings “scooped” IMMEDIATELY. Please, no autos or trucks should be used for picking up droppings. Droppings may not be dumped at the disband area.

All Units

Keep the parade moving at all times. Remember that unless directed by Parade Officials or a Police Officer, there is to be NO STOPPING. We are very limited on Daylight and must have everyone off and away from Elm Drive prior to darkness, for everyone’s safety.

Shuttle Buses
There will be shuttle buses from the Mechanicsville Recreation Center to the Staging area at the end of Hanover Green Drive.

Fire/Rescue

Fire and Rescue units should be playing music only. When they sound their sirens, they will be responding to an active call. At that time, please move your unit to the right to enable the emergency fire/rescue unit out of the parade. This should provide ease of exit and safety to all.

Political Advertisement

There is to be no political advertisement within the parade. This means either walking or on vehicles.

Music

All music played during the parade is to be “Traditional” Christmas music.

Soft Drinks/Water/Food

There will be one or more concession stands for your convenience. There will also be mobile concessions along the parade route. However, feel free to bring your own refreshments.

Trash Receptacles

For your convenience, trash receptacles will be placed along the entire route. Please do not litter.

Restroom Facilities

Check your parade route map for approximate locations of relief stations.

Tree Lighting

If you are disbanding on Elm Drive and want to go back to the Tree Lighting, Please stay to the right on Elm Drive and also stay to the right when you get to Mechanicsville Turnpike headed toward the Tree.

When Santa arrives, he will disembark and turn on the tree lights and also spend time with the kids and adults.

Awards

Awards WILL NOT be presented at the tree lighting this year. Each winning unit will be contacted that evening by a phone call, to the person submitting the application for that unit. This is one reason we need home phone numbers or cell phone numbers. Also, all winners will be listed in the Mechanicsville Local the following week.