Deadline for Parade Application Extended through Today

Today is the deadline to register your float for O’Fallon’s Heritage and Freedom Fest.

The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m., July 4. The two mile parade route starts at 3rd and Main Street and ends at T.R. Hughes Ballpark. Prizes are awarded in various categories, including Most Patriotic, Best Color Guard, Best Musical, Best Overall and Mayor’s Choice.

Applications must be turned in to the Parks Department today, located across the street from Civic Park in O’Fallon. The deadline for application was originally in May, however, Tom Drabelle, Director of Public Relations for O’Fallon said that deadline was extended due to requests made by previous year’s parade participants. Because of the extension, he added, there are also new, first time entrants to the parade.

Drabelle said the city is excited about the new additions to the parade plus some new attractions at the Heritage and Freedom Fest.

The theme for the 2011 parade is “Celebrating the American Spirit.” According to the Heritage and Freedom Fest website, the theme encourages participants to reflect their interpretation of the “American Spirit overcoming obstacles and reaching unforgettable milestones throughout history.”

Prizes for the best overall entry are $500, $400 and $300 respectively, for first, second and third place. Other cash prizes or plaques will be awarded in other categories.

Floats must be less than 60’ long and no taller than 14’ high. There is a fee of $50 for all commercial floats. Political candidates can enter the parade with a tiered fee structure. City candidates require a $25 entrance fee while county candidates are charged a $50 fee. State and federal candidate fees are $100.

Political candidate floats or vehicles must be more than 50 percent decorated and magnetic car signs do not count as décor.

Parade floats and cars can be entered into the parade with an option not to participate in the judging. However, to be eligible for prizes, entrants must adhere to all guidelines and reflect the theme of the parade.

For safety reasons, candy and other objects cannot be thrown from moving vehicles and should come only from those walking in the parade or walkers associated with the entered floats.

More information and other specific guidelines can be found on the Heritage and Freedom Fest website. At the bottom of the page, there are helpful hints for constructing floats as well as helpful links for float-making supplies.

Participants in the parade are required to attend the informational meeting on Wednesday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose room at City Hall. Line up information will be handed out at that time. At least one participant from each organization is required to attend this meeting, and it is strongly recommended that the float driver also attends.

On Monday, July 4, parade participant check in begins at 7 a.m. All floats must be in place by 8:30 a.m. The Mayor’s Choice judging will run from 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. and the parade will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.

The parade typically lasts two to two and a half hours and is held rain or shine.

"Much of the hard work and planning has been done, so now we are just hoping for great weather," Drabelle said.