Participant Statement: The North East Fire Department ("Department") and Cherry Festival Parade Committee ("Committee") thank you for your interest in being a participant in the 78th Annual Cherry Festival Parade. The parade is the Departments way of giving back to the community for the generous support shown throughout the Cherry Festival and throughout the year, and is designed to be a safe, family friendly event. The Committee and Department reserve the right to deem any registrant as unacceptable and to remove or refuse registration for any reason, with or without prior notification (at the time of registration, or the time of arrival). The following are some general rules that apply to the parade:

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General:

- Line-up begins at 11:00am and goes until 1:30pm. Line-up additions after 1:30pm will be accepted at the discretion of the zone coordinator. 

- Parade starts promptly at 2pm. 

- NEFD can and will turn away any entries that display offensive, derogatory or explicit content. Absolutely no political signs or controversial activist signs will be tolerated. If any are displayed, you will be asked to cover them. Failure to do so will result in being removed from the lineup. This is a family friendly parade. 

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Politicians and Political Parties:

- Politicians attempting to register must currently directly represent the 16428 zip code (Mayor, State Representative, Council Members, etc.) If a politician is accepted into the lineup, they must volunteer at least 4 hours of their choosing in a NEFD tent during Cherry Festival. More information will be sent upon request or registration attempt. 

- Political parties are not permitted to enter. Any political party wishing to enter the parade should team up with their member who represents the 16428 zip code. 

- Politicians are not allowed to solicit votes, bash the opposing party, or display "vote for me" type signs. 

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Animals:

- Equestrians and animal entrants are responsible for handling any "mess" created. If a manure catcher or cleanup mechanism is not identified, you will be turned away. 

- If any messes are left, the entrant will be barred from future participation. 

- The Parade Committee will make all efforts to keep animals away from loud vehicles, bands, and excessive exhaust fumes. 

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Large Vehicles:

- Large vehicles may be lined up outside of the lineup area, and entered into the parade at the appropriate time. 

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Music, Drum and Bugle Corps Entries: 

- Entries will not be judged unless the majority of the performers are marching/walking. 

- Attending marching bands (High School and/or College) will be given a flat award, regardless of placement in the parade. 

- Bands will be given at least 150' of space between them and loud entries, however, we will attempt to make a larger gap if possible so people can enjoy the music.