The 2008 Springfield St. Patrick's Day Marching Band Parade starts promptly at noon on Saturday, March 15, 2008. There is no rain date.

CANDY HANDOUTS: Throwing candy or anything else from a moving vehicle is prohibited. Candy may be handed out only by pedestrians walking near the curb.

PARADE CHECK-IN: All entrants should report to the check-in area located on the south side of the Horace Mann parking lot (Jefferson between 7th and 8th). Check-in is from 9:00 to 11:15 a.m. All units must be checked in by 11:15 a.m., unless otherwise specified. Upon check-in your unit will be given a parade number which corresponds to your place in the parade. You will be instructed by the staging area coordinator where to line up, based on your assigned number. The decision of the staging area coordinator concerning participation and position in the parade is final. Parking in the staging lot is for parade entries and school buses only, not personal vehicles.

FLOATS: Floats must arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. and be in place in the staging area by 11:00 a.m. Float judging takes place along the parade route. Prizes are: $300 first place, $200 second, and $100 third. Non-political floats may or may not be judged for prizes, as you wish. Political floats are eligible for a non-cash prize only.

BANDS: The Springfield St. Patrick's Day Marching Band Parade is one of the largest high school marching band competitions in the Midwest with as many as 14 competing and non-competing band entries taking part. All non-professional marching bands, both competing and non-competing receive a cash stipend for participating.

Competing bands vie for the right to display the Pepsi Challenge Traveling Trophy for the following year. The cash stipend is $250 for bands whose parade registration is received by the committee before January 15, 2006. The stipend for band entries received after January 15 is $200.

All bands should follow the general check-in information. Competing high school bands will be judged, with prizes awarded at the reviewing stand at the conclusion of the parade. In addition, each competing band will receive a $100 performance stipend. The judging zone is the 200 block of South 6th.

WALKING UNITS & OTHER ENTRIES: Follow the general check-in information. Entries must be kept to a reasonable length, and generally reflect the description on the entry form (For example, if the form says you will have 10 cars, don't show up with more). The registration form asks for number of marchers accompanying your entry. With the exception of bands and scouts, the parade committee must give approval to all walking group of more than 50 people. All political entries will be limited to a maximum of 50 walkers, no exceptions. If you are a non-political organization and have more than 50 people interested walking, please indicate this on your entry form, so the committee can review your entry and contact you. We appreciate your cooperation!

POLITICAL FLOATS & ENTRIES: As part of this year's parade, parade entries representing political candidates may compete for a non-cash prize if desired. Entrants are encouraged to make their entry as entertaining as possible for the audience. Floats, marching units and other units in the spirit of the day are encouraged. Please remember that political entries are limited to 50 adults or children. Failure to comply risks exclusion of all or part of the entry. The decision of the parade committee and staging area coordinator is final.

PACING: To prevent gaps, please maintain pacing. Entries must not stop or slow down to perform along the parade route. Keep a short, safe interval from the unit in front of you. Please do not blast horns or sirens or otherwise interfere with performing bands.

AWARDS PRESENTATION: Prize awards will take place at the reviewing stand immediately after the parade.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Because this is a family event and students are present, consumption of alcoholic beverages in the staging area is prohibited. Violators and their entries are subject to removal.

MORE INFORMATION: For more information or if you have questions, please e-mail Springfieldirish@yahoo.com

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