Goshen Light Parade | November First Fridays

Light Parade Rules

Please read carefully, and abide by these rules as you plan for and participate in the parade. Any violations of these rules are subject to disqualification and removal from the parade.

Parade Date

Friday, November 3, 2023

Entries Due

Friday, October 13, 2023

ENTRY FEE

Float – $75
Walking – $50

THEME

The theme of the parade is “LIGHTS”. Floats and entrants must all have a lighted aspect of some sort to qualify. For example: LED rope light, fairy lights, twinkle lights, or another light display of sorts.

RULES

1. Every organization/busineses must prepare a 40-50 word statement to be read as your unit passes in review before the Main Stage. This statement will also be used for public relations and other media.
2. The parade is rain, shine, or snow, pending severe weather.
3. There is to be NO handing out or throwing of any items from ANY MOVING vehicle (motorized, horse-drawn, or people-powered). Please do not throw items regardless of vicinity to float. Handouts are allowed by responsible persons walking adjacent to the respective unit, preferably 8-10 feet from units and close to the curb line.
4. All entrants are allowed up to two vehicles for their display/float. This is due to a very limited capacity of staging space.
5. Curtailment of sirens and air horns are requested for emergency vehicles. Electronic sirens are too loud for many of the spectators along the route.
6. Any floats or displays featuring hate speech, distasteful imagery, nudity, or any other innapropriate content will be strictly prohibited. This is subject to review by First Fridays and Downtown Goshen Inc. Any float, display, or person found to be in violation of this rule will be removed from the parade.
7. Prosethytization of any kind is not permitted. Churches and religious organizations are encouraged to join the parade but most follow the guidelines below.

Non-Proselytizing Policy

Downtown Goshen, Inc. is a 501c3 organization and as such is prohibited from endorsing specific religious or political views. DGI / First Fridays cannot allow booths or displays designed for the purpose of religious proselytization or political campaigns at its events. Organizations who participate in the Not-for-Profit showcase must agree that they will not encourage event attendees to adhere to or convert to a particular faith, church, or political persuasion, nor will they distribute messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith, support for a candidate or political party.

 STAGING AND REGISTRATION

1. The parade will staged on 5th Street between Madison and Jefferson. And on Jefferson between 6th Street and 5th Street. The parade route will head West from the corner of 5th and Jefferson, turn North on to Main headed towards Clinton, turn East onto Clinton, and then turn South back on to 5th to return to the staging areas.
2. Volunteers will be on-site to help stage and direct traffic as the parade begins.
3. Parade placement will be based on a first come first serve basis on the day of the event, with the exception of a few pedestrian based entries. This determination will be made by the First Fridays staff. Please do not request special placement, as we will be unable to accommodate.
4. A registration table will be located at 324 S 5th Street at Eyedart Creative Studio. Please check in no later than 5 pm. All floats must be parked by 5 pm.
5. The parade will step off promptly at 7 pm once traffic has been cleared from the streets.
6. The parade director will make the final decision on all parade-related activities.
7. The parade is a community event. We need to make sure the parade keeps a steady pace for the community. This is for the sake of all involved, including participants and spectators. Please make sure that all members of your entry, including walkers, can keep the parade’s pace. If your unit cannot keep pace with the parade, you may be asked to pull aside. That said, please be aware of what is happening in front of you. Some entrants may stop to play music, do tricks, etc. Please do not barrel through.