Code of Conduct for 4th of July Parade

We welcome everyone to our 4th of July Parade, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or ability. Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, spectators, and volunteers, including young children. To achieve this, we have developed a code of conduct that outlines our expectations and guidelines for behavior. By following our code of conduct, we can create a positive and respectful environment for all participants, spectators, and volunteers.

Respect and Courtesy:

We expect all participants, spectators, and volunteers to treat each other with respect and courtesy. This includes avoiding any language or behavior that is discriminatory, harassing, or intimidating in any way. We celebrate and protect diversity and will not tolerate any form of hate speech, racism, sexism, or bigotry.

Safety:

Safety is our top priority, and we expect all participants, spectators, and volunteers to prioritize safety as well. Please follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided by parade officials, such as staying behind the designated parade route, keeping a safe distance from parade vehicles, and refraining from throwing any objects or candy.

In order to promote safety for children and pets who sometimes dash underneath floats in an attempt to collect candy thrown from moving vehicles, all candy will need to be distributed by hand (and by people walking rather than riding in vehicles of any type) by designated representatives from any parade entrant. 

Please notify all of your entry contributors of the candy policy this year; if entries or floats violate this policy after one warning we may not be able to invite them back in 2024, given our priority for the safety of our community’s kids. 

Inclusion:

We encourage all participants to express their unique identities and cultures. Participants are welcome to represent their heritage or cultural background in a respectful and appropriate manner. However, we ask that all costumes and decorations are appropriate for all ages and avoid any intimidating or demeaning themes.

Compliance:

All participants, spectators, and volunteers are expected to comply with all local, state, and federal laws, including those related to public safety and public health.

Enforcement:

Any behavior that violates our code of conduct will not be tolerated. Parade officials have the right to remove anyone who is behaving inappropriately, without warning or refund, and Parade entrants will be routed to an exit immediately for violations that endanger participants or the safety of the event. If you experience or witness any behavior that violates our code of conduct, please report it immediately to a parade official.