Register a parade entry
Register online
Deadline: June 14, 2024
Parade ID numbers
Each entry will be provided an ID number before the parade. You must display your printed ID number prominently on the driver's side (or left side) of your entry at check-in and for the duration of the parade.
Entry dimensions
- Maximum height: 14 feet
- Maximum width: 9 feet
- Your entry must be able to turn corners safely.
Entry decorations, judging and awards
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All entries should incorporate decorations celebrating the patriotic July 4 theme. In your online application, please describe your plans, including any costumes, vehicle decorations, size of entry and number of participants.
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All entries, including business vehicles and politicians running for office, should include additional decorations or family-friendly entertaining appeal, in addition to the typical company logos, vehicle wrap or campaign signs.
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Dignitaries lined up at the front of the parade (including current political office holders) do not need to include additional themed decorations. However, they also may not include campaign signage. They are only allowed to include signage indicating their name and current office. Political office holders who are also campaigning may enter a second entry for the campaign. The second entry will be assigned a parade position the same as all other parade entries.
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Monetary prizes will be awarded for the following awards: Best of Show - $250; Best Float - $150; and Best Community Group - $100. Judges will be on the stage on Santa Fe Trail Drive. Winners will be notified by email following the parade and they can coordinate with the parade organizer to collect their prize. Winners will also be listed on the City website.
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Judges may also select winners for a variety of other bragging-rights awards (no monetary prize), such as Best Dance/Cheer/Gymnastics team, Best Band, Best Children's Entry, Best Animal Entry, Best Business Entry, Classic Cars Entry, Good Neighbor Award. Award winners will be notified by email after the parade, and winners will be listed on the City website.
Safety
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Your entry must move forward in the parade with no slowing, stopping or performing, unless previously approved by the Parade Committee. It is important for the enjoyment of parade attendees that we avoid gaps in the parade. Please note that parades maintain a steady and brisk pace. Your group must be prepared to maintain that pace for the duration of the parade (about 2.25 miles, depending on your position in the lineup).
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Your entry should maintain its assigned position throughout the entire parade and should be approximately 30–40 feet (about 2–3 car lengths) from the entry ahead of you.
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Your entry should not travel at speeds more than 5 mph.
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If your vehicle breaks down during the parade, carefully move the vehicle to the side of the road and allow entries behind you to pass.
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Anyone standing on your entry must hold on to a secure post or handrail. You may not stand on surfaces higher than 8 feet from the ground without the approval of the parade director.
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Anyone sitting must be completely on the float’s surface and cannot jump on and off the float.
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You shall not distribute or throw literature, pamphlets, balloons, candy or other items from a moving entry. You may distribute items by walking along the curb line of the parade route. Items cannot be replenished from a moving vehicle.
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No smoking during the parade. If your float is flammable (such as floats constructed from tissue paper), you must have a fire extinguisher on board.
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You cannot discharge firecrackers, caps, blanks or other equipment that may startle horses or other animals in the parade.
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In order to operate a motorized vehicle in the parade, you must have a valid Class C driver’s license. You must also be a licensed driver to operate mopeds, go-carts, etc.
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If you wear a costume, it should not obstruct your view or mobility.
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If you drive erratically, squeal your tires, speed or exhibit other dangerous behavior, police officers may remove you from the parade.
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You may only have riders on one surface of your float. (For example, if your pickup truck is pulling a trailer, you may only have riders on the trailer, not on the back of the pickup.)
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Equestrian and other animal units should have prior parade experience, and animals must be considered parade safe. Entry must provide a clean-up crew to pick up waste along the route and ensure proper disposal, or horses should wear bags. Dogs should be licensed, current on shots and on a leash.
Adult-to-child ratios
You should have the following adult-to-child ratios on your float:
- Children 6 and younger: 1 adult for every 4 children
- Children 7 to 10: 1 adult for every 6 children
- Children 11 to 17: 1 adult for every 10 children.
For the purposes of the above ratios, we consider an adult as someone who is 21 or older. Adults in the driving compartment of a vehicle are not counted toward the adult total. We reserve the right to adjust ratios to require more supervision.
Insurance requirements
If your parade entry includes a motor vehicle, you must provide us with a certificate of insurance proving you possess auto liability insurance for each vehicle. This also applies to other motorized vehicles, including mopeds and go-carts. You can obtain the certificate by contacting your insurance agent.
Miscellaneous
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The Lenexa Parks Recreation Board feels that parades are primarily for children. Please keep this in mind when planning the theme or topic for your entry.
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You are not allowed to possess or be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other controlled substance (unless you have a medical prescription).
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Parade rules apply following the parade as you exit the parade route and enter normal traffic.
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Parade participant meeting - All parade entries are strongly encouraged to attend the parade participant meeting where we will go over rules, safety information, lineup details, etc. Please plan to attend, or send a member of your entry, and be sure to communicate parade information with all members of your entry. Meeting details: Wednesday, June 26, at 5:30 p.m., Lenexa City Hall, Community Forum, 17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
We reserve the right to make additional rules and regulations or to modify the rules and regulations in the best interest of the City to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our residents.