Float/Walker Application

Thank you for your interest in joining us! Please complete the application form below and someone from the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade will be in touch soon!

Activity/Entertainment Group

Name*
First Last
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City Province Postal Code
Daytime Phone Number*
Evening Phone Number
Email
Cell Phone During Parade
Type of Entertainment*
- Band
- Busker
- Go Karts
Expected Fee
Number of Participants in the Group
Do you have any vehicles in the parade?
How much space (in feet) do we need to stage your group
How would you like your group to be described in the Media (maximum 80 words)?

Entry Regulations

Before the Parade

B1. There shall be only ONE SANTA CLAUS and he will ride on the Erin Mills Auto Centre Santa Claus oat at the conclusion of the Parade.
B2. All entries shall be decorated to the Parade standards.
B3. All entries shall submit a description of the float/entry WITH the submission of the online entry application.This description should
   detail the construction and makeup; plus background and theme of the entry. This description will be used by the Entry Evaluation
   Committee to determine the entry approval.
B4. If the float is drawn by a truck or tractor, the cab must be at least 80% decorated.
B5. All vehicles and floats shall be inspected for SAFETY and DECORATION prior to entry into the Marshaling area.
B6. Each entry must provide its own insurance coverage and agrees, by participating in the Parade, to hold The Mississauga News,
   Erin Mills Auto Centre and all its affiliates free of liability for any accident or injury caused by or involving a unit and its vehicles, animals,
   or people.
B7. We ask that you pay particular attention to the length, width AND height of your entry when completing this portion of the application.
   Measurements must be accurate – No guessing! Space in the Marshalling area is limited and incorrect measurements (which tend to be
   short) cause significant issues as the Parade assembles. Length is to be calculated from the front bumper of the “pulling” vehicle to the
   rear bumper of the float. Your overall length measurement must include the vehicle pulling your float – entrants often forget to include
   this important part of their entry. The height restriction is 12‘0” and is to be calculated from the road surface to the highest point of the
   float. Also, if your entry is wider than a standard tractor trailer width, please advise us accordingly on your application. If your entry is
   longer, wider or higher than the measurements you have supplied, you may not be permitted to enter the parade due to space
   restrictions and safety concerns.

Construction of the Float

C1. All entries shall be decorated with lighted materials.
C2. There shall be NO OPEN FLAMES.
C3. Floats must be safe. There shall be no sharp edges or protruding nails.
C4. Railings or handlebars must be provided for all riders who are standing. All children must be seated and be secured in their seats.
There shall be no exceptions!
C5. In the event of emergency, the driver and all people on the float must be able to get off the float immediately.
C6. Floats shall have decorated skirts covering the sides of all vehicles to the axle height. You might also consider a “low-riding” trailer as
the bed of a standard bed trailer is not readily visible to children standing or sitting along the route.
C7. All drivers shall be licensed to drive the vehicles they are operating.
C8. All floats shall have a minimum of one Fire Extinguisher (ABC – 10-lb. capacity minimum). Safety chain and safety hitch chains are also
required on all floats. Fire Extinguisher(s) shall be easily accessible whether on the oat or at street level.The driver of the vehicle and
the entry manager(s) must be aware of extinguisher location(s); as well as trained in its use.
C9. Towing vehicles shall be in good mechanical condition and be properly fuelled and serviced prior to the Parade.
C10.Animals are not to rome free. They must be harnessed at all times to guarantee the safety of the animal and attendees. Animal
groups must provide their own “clean up” crew. The participant takes full and sole responsibility for any animals and any actions of
the animals participating in the Parade.
C11.The driver must have clear vision ahead and to all sides.
C12. Generator and/or vehicle exhaust pipes shall extend beyond the decorations.
C13.All powered equipment shall be CSA/UL approved and in good working condition.
C14.As silly as this may seem — please ensure your parade vehicles and generators have a full tank of gas on parade day. We include this
reminder due to past unhappy experiences.

During the Parade

D1. Any entry not passing the advance SAFETY and STANDARDS inspection will not be allowed to participate in the parade.
D2. All entries shall conduct themselves in an orderly fashion. Marchers shall walk behind the entry — NOT IN FRONT OF IT. All
participants shall be dressed in parade themed attire. The number of Marchers is limited to 15 [unless approved prior to event].
D3. There will be NO STOPPING or REVERSING once the Parade is underway. Marchers who stop or slow down to perform along the
Parade route will seriously affect the spacing and integrity of the Parade. Any Marchers causing delays shall be pulled out
IMMEDIATELY! At the start of the Parade each entry will be spaced appropriately by the Chief Parade Marshal. Entrants will do their
utmost to maintain the pace of the Parade, as set; as well as the minimum (50’) and maximum (100’) distance between them and the
entry in front of them – for the duration of the Parade. Parade Marshals may require you to slow or stop for SAFETY reasons. This is
the only time stopping is permitted! The driver and manager(s) of your entry must be aware that they are to follow the instructions of
the Parade Marshals at all times.
D4. PARTICIPANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO THROW OR DISTRIBUTE ANYTHING ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE. If any entry throws items from
their float, or attempts to distribute items, Parade Marshals have the authority to pull the entry from the Parade IMMEDIATELY!
D5. Although music is no longer mandatory on floats, it is preferred. If music is part of your entry, it must be Christmas music. Speakers
must be situated so they are facing out to the sides of the float; and NOT facing toward the front or rear. Please give consideration to
the entry that may be behind or in front of you!
D6. The Committee will provide a professionally prepared banner for each entry walking group. Each entry must supply two banner
carriers, dressed in costume, who will operate under direction of a Parade Marshal and follow our Parade rules and regulations.
Your banner will be produced using the name of your entry as recorded in the “organization name” section in the Parade Management
System. No other banners or signage shall be permitted.