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The theme for the 2008 Bakersfield Christian Parade is "Bible Stories Come to Life". The parade will be held on Saturday, May 3rd 2008, starting at 9am ending at 12noon.

Any entry not meeting the following rules will not be allowed to participate in the parade.

1. There are five categories or types of entries: (1) Floats (2) Equestrian (3) Vehicle (4) Walking/Marching (5) Bands
2. It is the intent of the Parade Committee to make this parade A FLOAT ORIENTED PARADE.
3. Deadline for entry is March 5, 2008. Please send to PO Box 40008 Bakersfield CA 93384. Your entry must reach the Bakersfield Christian Parade Committee by the above date to be eligible. Your organization will be notified by mail of your acceptance into the parade no later than March 12, 2008.
4. Acceptance of your application in the parade will be dependent on the availability of pre-determined space for such and entry. Such availability is left to the discretion of the Parade Committee.
5. The continuity and movement of the parade is considered of paramount importance for the enjoyment of this event, and to meet the time limit of 2 HOURS. Personnel will be located along the route to direct, and to insure this continuity. An interval of 50 feet is established and is to be maintained between each entry.
6. No stopping or exhibitions are permitted unless directed to do so by Parade Officials. You must start immediately when directed by the officials.
7. All mechanical equipment must be in a sound and safe condition, equipped with a tow bar and/or chain mounted on the front of the vehicles, carry a portable fire extinguisher, be at the assigned formation position and ready for inspection by the Fire Department and/or the Bakersfield Christian Parade Committee at formation time.
8. Entry fees are established to cover the costs of the parade and are non-refundable for any reasons except for non-acceptance of entry by the Parade Committee. Each unique division or unit of an organization must submit a separate entry. Each entry will be limited to five vehicles. If an organization wants to enter more than five vehicles, they must submit a separate application and receive written permission from the Parade Committee.
   An entry is defined as one unit, motorized, walking or powered in any manner. Marching Units (except bands and ROTC) are limited to no more than 50 people, this includes total number of float participants riding or marching.
9. Entry must be covered by adequate insurance. (Please refer to insurance requirements). Your float builder or organization is responsible for the insurance, and the policy must include a rider policy naming the Downtown Business Association, the Bakersfield Christian Parade, and the City of Bakersfield, and its agents as indemnified and additionally insured against any and all loss, damage or injury. Proof of insurance must be provided with the application or the committee cannot consider the application.
10. No commercial advertising of any kind is allowed without prior written approval from the Bakersfield Christian Parade Committee.
11. All signs must conform to the Safety Regulations of the City of Bakersfield. No entry may be be over 15 feet in height from the street to the highest point. No entry can be wider than a Standard flat bed trailer and longer than a standard flat bed trailer and tractor combination. Approximately 60 ft no extensions.
12. All sound- equipped entries must specify type of equipment and use. The information is to be included on the application.
13. Security is the sole responsibility of each approved participant. The Bakersfield Christian Parade Committee or its agents, along with the City of Bakersfield, the Downtown Business Association are not responsible for any entry, at any time, for any reason.
14. All entries must be decorated in keeping the theme of the parade. This year's theme is "Bible Stories Come to Life". All entries must reflect this in their entry. This includes all participants except band entries, dignitaries, and guests invited by the Bakersfield Christian Parade Committee.
15. Float entries MUST submit an 8.5" x 11" drawing of the float, along with written details of your entry. Any marchers along with the float must also reflect the theme of the float. Entries will not be accepted without this drawing and the detailed information. Stick figures are ok.
16. Without exception, ALL EQUESTRIAN UNITS are required to provide their own animal waste clean up immediately following their entry and in the assembly area. (5 horses or more, please provide more than 1 animal waste clean up during the parade event.) In order to prevent the parade from slowing down.
17. A representative for each entry (all categories) is required to attend a pre-parade meeting on March 25th at 10am. Location to be announced. You must attend to receive your parade position number and formation time. WE WILL NOT HOLD YOUR POSITION FOR YOU IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND. NO POSITIONS WILL BE GIVEN OUT ON THE PHONE OR BY MAIL.
18. As per the Bakersfield Police Department: CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN THE ASSEMBLY AREA AND THE ROUTE OF MARCH IS PROHIBITED. IF THIS RULE IS VIOLATED, YOU MAY BE CITED UNDER PENAL CODE SECTION 647.F (A MISDEMEANOR AND FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN THE CHRISTIAN PARADE SUSPENDED)
19. As per the Bakersfield Police Department: NO OBJECTS OF ANY KIND MAY BE THROWN TO THE PARADE SPECTATORS FROM ANY PARADE UNIT. NOTHING MAY HAND OUT ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE OR ALONG THE SIDEWALKS OF THE PARADE ROUTE. (i.e. candy, gum, trinkets, balloons, or informational material, etc) IF THIS RULE IS VIOLATED YOU MAY BE CITED UNDER MUNICIPAL CODE 10.76.120 (A MISDEMEANOR) AND FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN THE CHRISTIAN PARADE SUSPENDED.
20. The Bakersfield Christian Parade Committee does not guarantee the appearance of you, your child, your entry on any live broadcast. Your application does not guarantee your participation in the parade. PLEASE BE INFORMED OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN PARADE.