Grande Parade 2018 Saturday, September 29, 11:00AM "Four Seasons in Wine Country" - Niagara Wine Festival
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THE 67TH ANNUAL
GRANDE PARADE
Application Guidelines
Grande Parade 2018
Saturday, September 29, 11:00AM
“Four Seasons in Wine Country”
The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is proud to present the 2018 Meridian Grande Parade on Saturday, September 29,
2018 at 11:00am. This year’s theme is “Four Seasons in Wine Country”. This rain or shine event will parade through
the downtown core of St. Catharines, Ontario, where we will welcome more than 70,000 spectators.
This Application Guide is designed to assist you with your application and to understand the Rules and Regulations. The
criteria found within this application guide were established to protect the interests of the participating entries, the Festival
and the spectators. Our goal is to present our audience with a colourful, engaging and spirited hour of entertainment –
this application is your organization’s opportunity to show the Parade Committee how you will achieve this.
Please note: the completion of this application and receipt of it by the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival does not
constitute acceptance into the Grande Parade. Each entry will be evaluated based on the detail provided and an
acceptance or decline letter will be emailed to your organization. Only entries that have been completed in their entirety
will be considered. Also, referring to past submissions is not considered completed and will be declined.
THE PARADE APPLICATION ENTRY FORM DEADLINE: June 25, 2018 at 4:30PM
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE/DECLINE: July 30, 2018
Submissions will only be accepted online, using the “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” link on this form.
If you require assistance, email at parade@niagarawinefestival.com
BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION:
1. Review the Application Guide
2. Prepare your entry description, and how it connects to the theme “Four Seasons in Wine Country”
3. Review Rules & Regulations, and make sure your entry description complies
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival niagarawinefestival.com
8 Church Street, Suite 100, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 3B3 @NiagaraWineFestTry Our Easy
Online Submission!
CLICK HERE
THE 67TH ANNUAL
GRANDE PARADE
Application Guidelines
ENTRY FEES
Commercial Entry
The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival welcomes the support of Commercial Entries that adhere to the Parade Theme and
enhance the overall appeal and entertainment of the parade.
An entry will be categorized as commercial if it bears a company name, symbol, any signage related to a commercial
business for the intention of exposure or is accompanied by a commercial mascot (i.e. Ronald McDonald, A&W Root
Bear, etc.). Commercial Entry Fees are for the opportunity to participate only – all expenses relating to the performance
(float, mascot, signage, uniforms etc.) are at the expense of the corporation.
Corporations are welcome to sponsor/partner with a not-for-profit group to participate in the Meridian Grande Parade,
provided that the corporate branding is not larger than the presence of the Not-For-Profit group. Contact the Festival
office prior to beginning plans for their entry to review the plan.
Commercial Entries are $2,800 CAD including HST.
Not-For-Profit Entry
An entry will be deemed not-for-profit when the organization provides their Not-for-Profit or Charitable Registration.
Not-for-Profit entries are $45 (HST is included).
ACCEPTANCE PROCESS
Parade Submissions must be received by the deadline of 4:30pm on June 25, 2018. Entries received after this date will
not be considered. Completion of an application does not guarantee your acceptance as a participant in the parade;
it is simply a statement of your entry offering - we urge all applicants to confirm their application status before bearing
any expenses or beginning construction of their entry. All organizations will receive an acceptance or decline letter by
July 30, 2018.
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival niagarawinefestival.com
8 Church Street, Suite 100, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 3B3 @NiagaraWineFestTry Our Easy
Online Submission!
CLICK HERE
THE 67TH ANNUAL
GRANDE PARADE
Application Guidelines
STEP 1: Complete the 2018 Grande Parade Application Entry Form by clicking on the link above
• Please provide as much detail as possible. Do not leave any fields blank.
• The entry form must be completed in full – there is a new Parade Committee reviewing submissions who may not
be familiar with previous years’ participation.
• Additional content, including drawings, descriptions, photos, videos etc. may accompany your application.
These can be sent directly to parade@niagarawinefestival.com
• A review of your submission to ensure that the Rules and Regulations have been incorporated into your design
• If all details are not available at the time of submission, please ensure that your vision is clear. The Committee
may request further details prior to their final decision.
STEP 2: Application Review
After the application deadline has passed, all valid entries will be evaluated by the Parade Committee based on the
following criteria:
• Entertainment value to the audience – the “wow” factor • Colour, pageantry
• Connection with the “Four Seasons in Wine Country” theme • Motion and movement
• Innovation – what makes your entry unique and memorable • Safety and adherence to the Rules & Regulations
RULES & REGULATIONS: ALL ENTRIES
1. Completed Parade Application Entry Forms must be received online by 4:30pm on June 25, 2018.
Entries received after this date, WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED for the 2018 Meridian Grande Parade.
2. All successful entries, including vehicles and/or live animals, MUST provide proof of third party liability insurance,
for a minimum of $2 million AND name The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival as an additional/also insured OR as
the Certificate Holder. Personal vehicle liability insurance is not valid for the Grande Parade. Failure to provide
proper insurance documentation prior to September 1, 2018, will result in your entry’s removal from the parade.
Note: It takes a minimum of two weeks to have your insurance carrier provide required documents – please allow
for sufficient time.
3. All successful entries MUST provide full payment for their entry fee prior to September 1, 2018. Payment will
be accepted in the form of cheques made out to the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival, or via credit card. Details
will be provided to successful applicants. Failure to pay prior to the deadline will results in the entry’s removal
from the parade.
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival niagarawinefestival.com
8 Church Street, Suite 100, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 3B3 @NiagaraWineFestTry Our Easy
Online Submission!
CLICK HERE
THE 67TH ANNUAL
GRANDE PARADE
Application Guidelines
4. All applicants must provide detailed information outlining the entertainment value of their entry. All applicants
will be evaluated on: creativity, colour/pageantry, incorporation of the 2018 theme, and/or the incorporation of
the grape/wine culture themes, and/or the incorporation of the harvest theme, pertinence to the Niagara Region,
safety and cohesive presentation.
5. Costumes are the preferred dress code for the Merdian Grande Parade. Outside of costumes, entries must have
a uniform look - no sports jerseys (unless pre-approved and critical to the theme of the entry) and denim must
be in excellent condition – no tears or rips. A uniform look can consist of logo’d clothing, uniforms or simply
having everyone wear similar colours.
6. All support personnel must be in cohesive attire to the theme of the entry. Only one support vehicle is allowed
per entry and the Festival must provide prior consent. Personal vehicle liability insurance is not valid for the
Grande Parade. For appropriate documentation refer to rule #2.
7. All marching/walking parade participants must be a minimum of 10 years in age and 48 inches in height. Anyone
not meeting these requirements are to ride in/on a parade entry. Strollers, wagons etc are not permitted in the
Grande Parade. Marching/walking groups must engage in an entertaining activity throughout the parade – it can
be visual, musical etc. Walking and waving is not considered entertainment and must be enhanced to be eligible.
8. Any participant who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to vacate the parade route.
9. The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival will not be responsible for any injuries or damages to entry prior to or
during the parade.
10. In order to maintain parade flow, Stand and Show performances (including photos with audience members)
are not permitted along the parade route.
11. To maintain parade route safety, participants are not permitted to pass out items to spectators. This is a strictly
enforced policy and any violation to this rule may affect future participation.
12. Entries that do not abide by the Rules and Regulations or by the details agreed to within the Parade Acceptance
Letter will be denied entry into the Parade up to and including the morning of the Parade, regardless of past
history or current affiliation. The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival will not be held responsible for any costs
incurred due to the removal of the entry and entry fees will not be reimbursed.
13. The Meridian Grande Parade is an inclusive event. As such, any entries with overt political or religious themes will
not be permitted. Any groups engaging in overt political or religious activity in the parade will be asked to vacate
the parade route at their own expense and without reimbursement from the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival.
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival niagarawinefestival.com
8 Church Street, Suite 100, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 3B3 @NiagaraWineFestTry Our Easy
Online Submission!
CLICK HERE
THE 67TH ANNUAL
GRANDE PARADE
Application Guidelines
ADDITIONAL RULES & REGULATIONS: FLOATS & VEHICLE ENTRIES
14. Float entries must provide a description of their float that includes the name of their entry, theme, construction
details and size. The maximum float height is 13’6”; there are no length or width restrictions. Include a
description of your safety measures for anyone riding in or on your entry - there must be a minimum 4’ railing
with a horizontal rail at each foot or seat belts for each rider attached to grounded seats. Rope railings must be
taught, with at least one rope for every foot. Riders on floats cannot have their feet hanging off the sides/back
of float nor can they leave the float once the Parade commences.
15. All floats must be self-propelled, unless otherwise agreed to. It is the responsibility of the entrant to supply their
own fuel, licensed driver, fire extinguisher and insurance. Personal vehicle liability insurance is not valid for the
Grande Parade. For appropriate documentation refer to rule #2.
16. Any damages caused by the storage or transport of your float to the marshalling area must be repaired before
leaving for parade route. The Parade Marshall will perform a final inspection of your entry prior to the parade
commencing and unsatisfactory entries will be removed from the line-up at that time. The Niagara Grape & Wine
Festival will not be held responsible for any costs incurred due to the removal of the entry and entry fees will
not be reimbursed. If you wish to arrange for a Friday inspection of your entry, please contact the Festival office
by September 15th, 2018.
17. A detailed drawing or photograph must accompany all motorized or mechanical entrants. All motorized vehicles
must be clean and in proper working condition. Personal vehicle liability insurance is not valid for the Grande
Parade. For appropriate documentation refer to rule #2.
18. Vehicles that are a stand-alone entry or towing an entry MUST be decorated to match the overall theme of
the entry as per the minimum standards. If the Parade Marshall does not feel that adequate decoration has
been implemented, the vehicle and all related activity will be removed from the parade. The Niagara Grape
& Wine Festival will not be held responsible for any costs incurred due to the removal of the entry and entry
fees will not be reimbursed.
ADDITIONAL RULES & REGULATIONS: LIVE ANIMAL ENTRIES
19. All equestrian and live animal entrants must provide their own clean-up crew who are easily identifiable as part
of the group. Animals must be tethered to a vehicle to participate. A leash held by hand is not an acceptable
form of animal control. Please see Rule #2 for appropriate liability insurance documentation.
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival niagarawinefestival.com
8 Church Street, Suite 100, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 3B3 @NiagaraWineFestTry Our Easy
Online Submission!
CLICK HERE
THE 67TH ANNUAL
GRANDE PARADE
Application Guidelines
RULES & REGULATIONS: SPONSORSHIP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
20. Sponsorship identification on entries must be restricted to one panel, maximum 8’ long by 1’ wide OR
2’ long by 4’ wide, unless otherwise agreed to by the Parade Committee.
21. Entry Sponsors will be recognized at Review Stand and on televised broadcast.
AWARDS
Each year the Festival presents the following Awards:
• The Founder’s Cup - Presented to the entry that best presents a grape and/or wine industry theme
• The Harvest Award - Presented to the entry that best presents the 2018 theme: “Four Seasons in Wine Country”
• The Vintage Award - Presented to the entry that best represents a feature of the Niagara Region
• The Best Dressed Award – Presented to the vehicle/float entry with the best décor
• NEW for 2018 – The People’s Choice Award – as voted by the parade audience on social media.
The first four awards will be awarded prior to the Parade Start, as voted by the Parade Committee. Entries will be
judged by the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival Grande Parade Judging Committee and will be judged based on the
criteria outlined in Rule #3, beginning at 9am in the parade marshalling area.
A minimum of four entries in any category must be present for judging to take place.
Award winning entries will only qualify for one award per year. Entries are eligible for awards at two-year intervals.
Entries must demonstrate significant changes to the design presentation each year to be considered. Only entries
that meet the outlined award criteria will be considered for judging on parade day, beginning at 9am in the
marshalling area.
The People’s Choice Award will be posted on the Niagara Grape & Wine Social Media Channels no later than 24 hours
after the conclusion of the Parade.
REMINDER OF KEY DATES:
• Friday, June 25 – application deadline
• Monday, July 30 – letters of acceptance and decline delivered via email
• Saturday, September 29 – Meridian Grande Parade
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival niagarawinefestival.com
8 Church Street, Suite 100, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 3B3 @NiagaraWineFestYou can also read
