Rules and Agreement
The person responsible for the parade entry must agree to these rules and is responsible for their participants. Violation of any parade rules will result in loss of the deposit money.
The Mardi Gras Grand Parade is brought to the city of St. Louis by Mardi Gras, Inc., a Soulard organization comprised of not-for-profit, resident, and business organizations. These rules help to produce a safe, fun and quality parade for everyone!
The theme for the parade is established by Mardi Gras, Inc. - All floats, costumes, music and performances must reflect the theme.
There are multiple parade entry levels. A “Krewe” is a group of people coming together to participate in the Mardi Gras Parade. Each “Krewe” should have a name, but business names may only be used in the Business Entry or Float Sponsor categories.
- A “WALKING Krewe”
- B “FLOAT” is a motorized vehicle usually pulling a decorated trailer.
- C “BUSINESS ENTRY”* is a Krewe that is sponsored, funded or supported by one or more businesses. Certain signage priviledges apply.
- D “FLOAT SPONSOR/CORPORATE ENTRY”* is a business that is allowed to display business name(s) and logo(s).
* Business Entries and Corporate Entries may not conflict with the Mardi Gras, Inc. event sponsors. In all cases, MGI must approve the business and products displayed and advertised. Because of the unique nature of each entry, specific details will be discussed and finalized on an individual basis.
The instructions of the parade marshals and police officers must be obeyed at all times.
The parade placement number (supplied by MGI) must be clearly visible from street level on the lower left side of the front and on the back.
No one participating with your entry can be nude (full or partial) at anytime in the parade.
Wheel walkers are required for each axle of your vehicle (one per tandem axel). Wheel walkers and drivers cannot throw items, as it is their job to observe safety precautions.
There is no moving on and off the float during the parade route by anyone!
It is strictly prohibited for drivers to drink alcohol before or during the parade.
Public drunkenness by any participants during the parade is NOT allowed.
All floats over 12 feet long and/or with over 12 passengers are required to have a portable toilet decorated as part of the float.
Copies of driver’s license, proof of insurance, and portable toilet contract should be emailed to the Parade Chairman prior to the parade.
A Press Release (a few paragraphs about the krewe and the float) should be emailed to the Parade Chairman.
All thrown items other than standard beads are to be approved by the Parade Committee. Spray String of any kind is prohibited.
Fire extinguishers are required on the float. First aid kits are highly recommended.
Only parade-approved and registered vehicles may enter the staging lot.
A release signed by all participants in your group must be provided at the start of the parade.