2025 Theme – “Seasons of Chatham”

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR ENTRANTS – PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY

Rules for Participation (developed in conjunction with the Chatham Police Department): 

Not following these rules will jeopardize your participation in future parades
● Throwing or passing ANY item from a car/truck/trailer to the crowd, (including candy, frisbees, beachballs or flyers) is strictly prohibited. This creates a serious safety hazard for both participants and spectators alike! Handing (not throwing) small items such as small candy and small toys by walkers that are next to vehicles is acceptable.
● No float apparatus or act can exceed 14 feet in height from street level and width must not exceed 8 feet.
● All entries and displays must be free from images reflecting cruelty, denigration or abuse to persons or groups, because of race, creed, gender or economic status.
● Emergency vehicles must be given the right of way at all times.
● The use of helium balloons is discouraged as they pose a serious threat to wildlife in the area.
● Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited while in line before the start of and during the parade.
● Do not stop to disembark participants after you cross the finish line! Follow police and parade marshals’ instructions for exiting the parade after reaching the finish line.

These rules are for the safety of everyone. Not following them will jeopardize your participation in future parades.

Logistics of Parade:

• All entrants must be checked in and in parade position at your numbered staging area on Shore Road no later than the times designated below:

• Entry #1 through #25 check in between 7:00am – 7:30am
• Entry #26 through #50 check in between 7:30am – 8:00am
• Entries #51 and up check in between 8:00am – 8:30am
• All entrants must be in parade position by 8:30am
• Position number must be displayed on the LEFT side of the Entry.
• The parade begins at 9:30am at the intersection of Shore Road and Main Street, and finishes at the intersection of Crowell Road and Tip Cart Road. Please adhere to police instructions for exiting the parade area.
• For entrants wishing to park at the Monomoy Regional Middle School, a shuttle bus will take you to Shore Road. This shuttle will run starting at 6:30am. The shuttle will run from the end of the parade back to the Monomoy Regional Middle School.
  
  

  

Parade Judging:

• To qualify for an award, the Entry must be consistent with the parade theme.
• All awards are determined solely at the discretion of the Judges.
• Entries are viewed by Judges along the parade route. The Judges’ reviewing stand is located on the lawn of the First United Methodist Church at the intersection of Main Street and Cross Street. Please do not stop here and delay the parade.
• Your Entry may win more than one award.
• All category award winners will receive a custom-designed engraved plaque which will be presented at an awards ceremony during a Select Board meeting later in July.

Parade Award Categories:

• 1^st Place – Overall Best Entry will be recognized by an engraved brass plaque on the Chatham Parade Trophy displayed at Town Hall.
•  2^nd Place Entry
•  3^rd Place Entry
• Best Youth Entry (participants under
  18 years old)
• Most Patriotic Entry
• Funniest Entry
• Best Family Entry
• Best Civic Entry
• Most Environmentally Conscious Entry
• Best Use of Technology

All of the category award winners will receive a custom-designed engraved plaque which will be presented at an awards ceremony during a Select Board meeting later in July.