Parade Information and Policies

On this page you will find the parade information and policies you need to read prior to signing your parade entry

• ​General Parade Participant Rules
• ​Entry Selection Criteria
• Types of Entries Considered For The Rose, White & Blue Parade
• ​Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability
• Photography - Image Release
• ​The Rose, White & Blue 4th of July Parade and Festival policies regarding politics, religion and other issues of social concern.

​​General Parade Participant Rules

Entry Selection Criteria

The following is a list of rules and guidelines that have been set forth to insure the smooth operation of the Rose, White & Blue 4th of July Parade.
This parade is a community celebration and intended to be fun for all; therefore, we want to ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers and spectators.
All participants MUST follow these rules and guidelines. Participants found to be in violation of these rules and guidelines will be removed from the parade line-up by Parade Officials who will be stationed along the parade route.
Parade Personnel:
Parade personnel will be identified by specially marked t-shirts that identify them as ‘Parade Staff’ members. If there are any questions or problems, please contact one of our helpful parade volunteers. Additionally, Parade personnel are available at the Staging Check-in Booth at the Lincoln High School parking lot and at the Information Booth at the Festival area located at Westminster Presbyterian Church at the corner of Shasta Avenue and The Alameda.
Parade Information:
A “Parade Check-In” table will be located at the Lincoln High School parking lot, located at 555 Dana Ave., San José. Someone from your group must check in to obtain your unit number. Bring tape or ribbon to attach your number to your entry in a location that is visible to the Parade Announcers and Judges, preferably front passenger side.
Cancellation Policy:
The Parade always takes place, rain or shine. Only a significant act of nature will cancel the parade, of which all units would be notified.
If for some unforeseen reason your unit is not able to participate in the parade after being accepted, please contact the Parade Manager, Dave Thomas, no less than three days in advance.
No Shows:
Any accepted entry that does not appear on parade day without proper prior notification to the Parade Master may not receive future invitations to participate in the parade.
Emergency Needs:
Ambulance vehicles, tow trucks, and police will be available to report to the parade route as needed by calling 9-1-1.
Family Event:
This is a family event meant to foster community; therefore, entries must not include any questionable signage, clothing, movements or decorations that may be offensive to any individual or child. Please use good judgment!
Participant Age Restrictions:
There must be a least one adult escort for every six children under the age of 13 years.
Participant Parking:
Participant parking is located on surface streets outside the event staging area. There will be NO PARKING in the staging area(s). Participants arriving in private vehicles must unload outside the staging area and walk into the staging area for registration.
Restroom Facilities:
Portable restroom facilities are available in the staging area and at the Festival area.
Signage

• Identification banners are encouraged for entries in the parade.
• Please limit banner size to no larger than 3’x10’.
• Signs or banners may state the sponsor name and/or name of group.
• Painted logos or letters on vehicles may state sponsor or name or group.
• No signs are allowed depicting political, religious or social issues.
• Only confirmed parade sponsors and/or parade participant organization logos
  will be permitted.

Sound

• Units with sound or noise must note this on their written parade application.
• Music must maintain the volume at a set decibel level that will not interfere with other parade units while in the line of march.
• The volume setting will be calibrated in the formation area with a meter.
  The set level for sound is approximately 85db at 50 feet.
• The use of sound for commercial messages or political, religious, or social issues is strictly prohibited. Violation will result in immediate ejection from the parade.
• Boom boxes are not effective in the parade environment.
• Music selections must be family-friendly and/or patriotic in nature. (no swearing)

Supplies & Equipment

• If applicable to your entry, electrical wires, devices and connections must be approved for the use intended. Wiring must be properly secured and installed.
• Decorations must be flame-resistant and waterproof. Utilize floral sheeting, papier-mâché, paint or other fire- and weather-resistant materials.
• Avoid such materials as hay, straw, dried flowers, tissues, paper napkins or other materials that have to be fireproofed.
• Fresh live flowers, plants or organic materials are allowed.

Safety

• No smoking on or around any floats OR in the parade at any time.
• Absolutely no alcoholic beverages or drugs are allowed in the parade or any associated event areas, including the Festival and VIP areas.
• Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed on any participant or in any vehicle.
• Participants consuming alcohol prior to or while participating in the parade will be removed from the line of march.
• No throwing or distributing of favors, handouts, literature or promotional items.
• No spraying of water or other liquids from units.
• The Rose, White and Blue Parade staff reserves the right to eject a participant from the parade at any time.
• All decisions are at the sole discretion of the Parade Manager and are final.

Automotive Vehicle Drivers:

• Driver must possess a valid Class C driver’s license issued by the DMV.
• Driver must be at least 18 years of age.
• Driver must have proper unobstructed vision on all sides, at all times, while driving in the parade.
• No one is allowed to ride on vehicle running boards, hoods, roofs, or fenders.
• ALL vehicles participating in the parade must be properly registered and insured.
• Individual Drivers are required to have a completed and signed ‘Automotive Vehicle Participant Addendum” on file prior to participating in the parade.

Motorcycle, Motorized Scooter & Motorized Bicycle Drivers:

• Driver must possess a valid Class of driver’s license issued by the DMV.
• Driver must be at least 18 years of age.
• Driver must have proper unobstructed vision on all sides, at all times, while driving in the parade.
• ALL vehicles participating in the parade must be properly registered and insured.

• Drivers and passengers must wear proper safety equipment, including a helmet, at all times while participating in the parade.
• Individual Drivers are required to have a completed and signed ‘Motorcycle, Motorized Scooter & Motorized Bicycle Addendum” on file prior to participating in the parade.

Bicyclists & Skateboarders:

• Children under 18 years of age riding a bicycle or skateboard, must wear proper safety equipment, including a helmet, at all times while participating in the parade.
• Helmets are strongly recommended for all riders regardless of age.

ALL parade entries are by invitation only and subject to approval by the Rose, White and Blue Parade committee. All units are encouraged to adopt the Rose, White and Blue Parade theme OR a patriotic theme in their entry. Units should be memorable and can be inspirational, educational, or entertaining.

Types of Entries Considered For The Rose, White & Blue Parade

Color Guard Units:
School, Military, Veterans/Auxiliary, ROTC/JROTC and other novelty/specialty units. Unit members are encouraged to be in uniform.
Floats: 
Floats are welcomed. See Special Rules and Guidelines for Floats for additional information regarding float requirements and safety regulations. Note: Any vehicle that has been approved by parade staff to accompany a Float entry that is decorated must carry a current dated 2A10BC fire extinguisher.
Marching Musical Units: 
School Bands, Drum Corps, Bagpipe, Bugle, Military and Independent Bands. Unit members are encouraged to be in uniform.
Marching Units: 
Military Units, ROTC/JROTC Drill Teams, School Drill Teams, Veterans/Auxiliary Units, Scouting Units and other novelty/specialty units. Unit members are encouraged to be in uniform.
Specialty Units: 
Dance Teams, Baton Corps, Martial Arts Schools, Clowns, etc.
Walking/Cycling Participants: 
Tricycles, Wagons & Bicycles are encouraged to decorate their human-powered vehicles prior to the parade. The Shasta/Hanchett Park Neighborhood Association provides a decorating station and decorations at the parade staging area.
Automotive Vehicles:
Vehicles considered for entry should be antique or unique and/or decorated. The number of vehicles permitted in the parade will be restricted.
The type of vehicle must be listed and approval by parade organizers—please submit a completed ‘Automotive Vehicle Addendum’ with your application. Commercial business vehicles such as vans, trucks and trailers must be legal for street use. Entries requiring vehicles to carry sound systems must notify parade organizers on the application. No persons will be allowed to ride on the outside of the vehicle. Vehicles must be clean. (Exception: Vehicles entered as a ‘Neighborhood Blight Car.’) In order to be eligible for judging and an award, both the driver and any passengers are required be dressed in period costume(s) to match the vehicle's year of manufacture,  and have the price of a gallon of regular gasoline from that year posted on the windshield. Also, playing music from the era over loud speakers is highly encouraged!!
Note: Any vehicle that has been approved by parade staff to accompany a Float entry that is decorated must carry a current dated 2A10BC fire extinguisher.
Motorcycles, Motorized Scooters & Motorized Bicycles:
Vehicles considered for entry should be antique or unique and/or decorated. The number of vehicles permitted in the parade will be restricted. The type of vehicle must be listed and approval by parade organizers--please submit a completed ‘Motorcycle, Motorized Scooter & Motorized Bicycle Addendum’ with your application. Vehicles must be clean. Drivers and passengers must wear proper safety equipment, including a helmet, at all times while participating in the parade

​Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability (Indemnity/Hold Harmless Agreement)

Participation in the Rose, White & Blue Parade and/or the related Festival/Picnic to be held on July 4, (hereinafter “Events”) shall be at the Participant’s own risk.
Participant assumes full responsibility for any injuries or damages and does hereby release and discharge the City of San José, the Rose, White and Blue parade committee members, as well as their respective departments, representatives, members, officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims, demands, damages, rights or causes of action present or future resulting from the undersigned’s participation in the Events.
I/we hereby understand, voluntarily agree and chose to accept any and all risks, including bodily/personal injury, property damage, and/or other damages which I/we may incur or cause a third party to incur as a result of my/our active and/or passive participation in the Events.
I/we assume on behalf of ourselves, successors, assigns, heirs, executors, and administrators, and any other person or entities who/which may have a claim based on my/our personal injuries and/or property damage, full responsibility for all risks, and any injuries and damages associated with the Events, and agree not to bring against, and do hereby waive, release and discharge the City of San José,  and parade committee members, as well as their respective departments, representatives, members, officers, officials, agents, volunteers and employees from any and all claims, demands, damages, right or causes of action present or future, known or unknown, resulting from the undersigned’s participation in the Events.
COVID-19 SAFETY INFORMATION:
While participating in events held or sponsored by the Rose White and Blue Parade & Festival “social distancing” must be practiced and face coverings worn at all times to reduce the risks of exposure to COVID-19. Because COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is spread mainly from person-to-person contact, RWB has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, RWB cannot guarantee that its participants, volunteers, partners, or others in attendance will not become infected with COVID-19. 
I acknowledge and understand the following:

1. Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist;
2. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks related to illness and infectious diseases, such as COVID19, even if arising from the negligence or fault of the Released Parties; and
3. I hereby knowingly assume the risk of injury, harm and loss associated with the Event, including any injury, harm and loss caused by the negligence, fault or conduct of any kind on the part of the Released Parties

DUTY TO SELF-MONITOR:
Participants and volunteers agree to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (symptoms typically include fever, cough, and shortness of breath) and, contact RWB at info@rwbsj.org. if he/she experiences symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days after participating or volunteering with RWB.

Photography - Image Release

I/we understand that the “Rose, White, and Blue 4th of July Parade & Festival” (RWBPF), and/or their representatives may photograph or videotape the events or activities in which Participant(s) have requested to participate.
I/we give permission for any photograph, video or audio of myself, our business or organization participants (and/or any minor children in our group) obtained during Parade participation activities at the “Rose, White, and Blue 4th of July Parade & Festival” (RWBPF), to be used in informational material and for publicity, training and promotional purpose by The Alameda Business Association (ABA) and/or the educational film "Trajectory", and/or the “Rose, White, and Blue 4th of July Parade & Festival” (RWBPF), and/or their representatives and/or their partners/sponsors.
I/we hereby acknowledge that NO compensation of any kind will be paid to ANY Participant(s) at this time or at any time in the future for the use of ANY Participant(s) likeness.

The Rose, White & Blue 4th of July Parade and Festival policies regarding politics, religion and other issues of social concern ​

The Rose, White and Blue Parade is a community event designed to celebrate the diversity and strength of our community in the spirit of traditional patriotism for the United States of America. Therefore, we do not discriminate based on ethnicity, religion, or political motivation. In line with the goal and historical traditions of the parade, we invite entertainers and others to participate based exclusively on their ability to provide appropriate family entertainment suitable to the occasion.
While we respect and embrace the diversity of our community, our parade will not be used to represent any specific cause or special interest, no matter how worthy. Therefore, without judgment as to the merits, we will not accept any charitable, civic, political or cultural organization seeking to use the Rose, White & Blue 4th of July Parade and Festival for furthering an agenda aside from the celebration of the diversity and strength of our community in the spirit of traditional patriotism.
The Rose, White, and Blue Parade board of directors reserves the right to make all determinations relating to participation in the parade based on entertainment.