2023 ABILITYSTRONG PARADE
  • About
    • Grand Marshal
    • Our Faces
    • History
    • Save-the-Date
    • Contact
  • Parade Info
    • Parade Sonsorship
    • March Participation
    • Parade Participation >
      • Parade Entry
      • Parade Rules
      • Theme Sheet
      • Required Forms
    • Parade Route
    • Event Parking
    • Spectator Information
  • Get Engaged
    • Sponsor
    • Join the Planning Team
    • Enter the Parade
    • Join the March
    • Volunteer
    • Spectator Information
    • AccessAbility fest
  • FAQ

Parade Rules

Super Heroes...saving the world with unique abilities
​Parade Application:
Parade applications may be obtained by visiting www.abilitySTRONGParade.org.  All parade applications must be submitted online, and accurately describe your entry and any support personnel on the parade route.  All applicants must submit an entry fee reflective of organizational type (Nonprofit, Business, or Commercial).  Check or money orders shall be made payable to disABILITYsa.  The online application system automatically accepts credit card payment.  If any errors arise in the payment amount, corrections will be made through Square invoicing.  Credits will be processed through Eventbrite.  Applications will not be accepted without payment of any of the fees.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
 
Participants:
disABILITYsa is a themed parade and reserves the right to refuse entry to any participant who does not comply with any of our requirements.  All participants are expected to behave in an exemplary manner.  Any rudeness, foul language or threatening behavior will be grounds for removal of any individuals and their group from the parade (within reason).  We do account for the conditions and sometime unexpected behaviors of individuals who have a cognitive disability and will take this into consideration when making decisions for removal. 
 
There will be absolutely NO consumption of alcoholic beverages by any participants in the forming area or along the parade route.  It is prohibited to remove, discard or make available to anyone along the parade route any lights, parade props, medals or other miscellaneous items. Failure of participants and their support personnel to comply with these Parade Policies and Guidelines will not be tolerated. This will result in removal from the parade by San Antonio Police Department and will jeopardize future participation.
 
In addition, entries on parade day must appear as a fair and accurate representation of what had been submitted on the application. Any deviation without the authorization of disABILITYsa and the abilitySTRONG Parade Steering Committee will result in disqualification on parade day. All participants must be 12 years of age or over in good physical condition. Due to safety and liability no participants under 12 years of age will be permitted. Any entries with children under the age of 17 must always be supervised and person supervising must be part of the respective organization and entry.
 
disABILITYsa will not be responsible for any items left in buses or cars. Participants should have a plan for personal items. Bus Drivers must remain near their buses.
 
Advertising/Banners:
There will be no political or religious advertising by parade participants while on the parade route, forming or disbanding areas. Anyone violating this policy will be asked to leave by Parade Officials or be removed by SAPD.
 
Parade Entry banners should not exceed 5ft x 2ft
 
Throwing or distribution of items during the Parade:
It is unlawful by City Ordinance for parade participants to throw, distribute, or give away any leaflets, coins, souvenirs, candy or any other items in the forming area and the parade route. No articles, materials, or candy of any kind shall be distributed in the forming area, along the parade route or in the disbanding area without the approval of disABILITYsa. The discharging of firearms, cannons, fireworks and other loud devices is strictly prohibited.
 
Excerpt taken from City Ordinance:
ARTICLE XVII: Parades, Runs, Walks and Related Events Sec. 19-638
e) Control of processions; restrictions. Upon initiation of a procession the chief of police shall take over control of the movement of the procession. All participants shall be required to maintain a forward progress. No participant shall throw or give away candy, gifts, tokens, advertisements other objects from any participant or procession unit while the unit is on the procession route. This provision is not intended to prohibit the distribution of expressive material protected by the first amendment, including leaflets, provided the distribution is not from a procession unit that is on the procession route. Failure to observe these requirements shall constitute a violation of this article and the chief of police is empowered to remove this unit from the procession immediately. (Ord. No. 2007-11-29-1193, ~3, 11-29-07)
 
Multiple Groups:
All multiple groups; Bands, Dance Teams, Cheerleader, Pep Squads, Marching and ROTC units etc., are required to submit a single application for the participating school.
 

 
Elected Officials:
Elected officials can participate in the abilitySTRONG Parade and the invitation is equally distributed to elected officials of both parties and in every position.  No preference is given to any elected official over another.  Parade entry applications are reviewed on an individual basis, as received.  Admission into the parade is not determined by the applicants position or political views.
 
Non-Profit Entries:
All non-profit entries that request exemption from Commercial and Small Business fee must submit written proof of non-profit status from the IRS to disABILITYsa when submitting the application. Entries that do not provide proof of their non-profit status must pay a Commercial/Corporate fee of $250.00 or Small Business fee of $100.00.   Entries will also be required to comply with $50.00 San Antonio Fire Department Safety Inspection fee (fee subject to change), Equestrian entry $100.00 (if applicable), and meet all insurance requirements.
 
Corporate/Commercial /Small Business Entries:
Corporate/Commercial entries will pay a $250.00 fee.  Small Business entries will pay $100.00 fee. These fees must be made payable to disABILITYsa. Entries will also be required to comply with $50.00 San Antonio Fire Department Safety Inspection fee (fee subject to change), Equestrian entry $100.00 (if applicable), and meet all insurance requirements.
 
Float Entries:
All float entries will be charged an additional $50.00 (This fee is subject to change without notice) for a San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) Safety Inspection that is mandated by the City of San Antonio. Checks for this fee must be made payable to disABILITYsa. Float entries will be required to submit a current copy of Certificate of Insurance naming disABILITYsa, disABILITYsa Creative Services, Fiesta Especial, City of San Antonio Disability Access Office, and its directors, officers, employees, and other agents as additionally insured. The copy of certificate of insurance information must be made available by September 30th, 2021. Floats will be given a specific time to arrive at the staging area and/or SAPD will notify entry regarding police escort and be ready for SAFD inspection.
 
Floats are expected to complement the parade theme of “Super Heroes: saving the world with unique abilities,” in a creative manner.
 
The overall dimensions of the float must be provided as requested on the application form. The length of the float will be no longer than 45 feet or less than 16 feet. The width of the float must be between 6 and 12 feet. No segment of the float may extend higher than 13 feet. Flatbed trailers are permitted.
 
All floats shall be constructed with flame retardant materials or decoration materials must be sprayed with flame proofing material recommended and approved by the San Antonio Fire Marshal. The use of hay as decoration or prop is not permitted. Floats must carry an all-purpose 5-pound fire extinguisher type 2A 10BC or higher rating with a valid current inspection tag. The fire extinguisher will be inspected by the Fire Marshal and must be kept within the reach of support personnel.
 
Float tow vehicles must be decorated, and the decoration must also complement the float. All tow units should be securely fastened with an appropriate safety chain to the chassis of the float. No more than two (2) persons will be permitted to ride in the tow vehicle.
 
Motorized floats shall be equipped with a quick escape hatch for the interior driver compartment. The exhaust pipe must extend past the exterior of the float and be clear of all decorative materials. This includes the exhaust of interior mounted portable generators. Portable generators shall be mounted in such a manner as not to pose a fire risk to the float, its decorations, or occupants. Smoking is not allowed on the floats.
 
All float operators must provide a current valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance. Parade Officials will verify these documents prior to the start of the parade. Entries failing to provide these items will be disqualified and removed from participation.
 
All floats must remain in their assigned staging and parade lineup position. The float or float tow vehicle operator must always remain with the unit; there will be no exceptions. Once the parade has started, no one is permitted to disembark from the float or tow vehicle until they have reached the disbanding area.
 
Vehicles:
All vehicle operators must provide a current valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance. Due to safety concerns, motorized and other self-propelled vehicles (golf carts, ATVs, 4-wheelers, etc.) will not be allowed on the parade route. There will not be any exceptions external to disABILITYsa’s safety protocol. Support units such as carts, wagons, trikes, and bicycles must be noted on the application to receive pre-parade approval and be decorated.
 
Insurance Requirements:
All entries that have been accepted must be insured to include motorized vehicles, floats, towing vehicles and must have a copy of current liability insurance identification form. This must be made available for inspection upon request by Law Enforcement and Parade Officials. Failure to provide such proof will result in disqualification from the parade.
 
Equestrian, trailer, tow vehicle, marching, dancing, cheer, pep and walkers’ entries will be required to provide insurance as well. All entries will be afforded the same opportunity to purchase a User Insurance Policy through disABILITYsa. Also offered is “Marching Unit Insurance Coverage” for walkers accompanying the parade entry. Float, Trailer, and Equestrian entries are also required to submit a current copy of Certificate of Insurance naming disABILITYsa, City of San Antonio Disability Access Office, and its directors, officers, employees, and other agents as additionally insured by September 29th, 2021.
 
Note: Schools to include band, dance, cheer and pep may provide insurance from their respective district. Only one is necessary to cover the respective school. All Certificate of Insurance must name disABILITYsa, Fiesta Especial, City of San Antonio Disability Access Office, and its directors, officers, employees, and other agents as additionally insured by Sept. 29th, 2021.
 
Proof of insurance and signed Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Waiver of Claims & Indemnification Agreement will be required from each entry in the parade. NOTE: Participants on floats under the age of 12 must have parent and/or guardian sign the release of liability as well.
 
Helium Balloons:
Helium balloon entries other than Commercial/Corporate will pay a $150.00 fee and will be required to submit a current copy of Certificate of Insurance naming disABILITYsa, disABILITYsa Creative Services, Fiesta Especial, City of San Antonio Head Start Division, City of San Antonio Disability Access Office, Fiesta San Antonio Commission, Inc., Fiesta Commission Charitable Corporation and its directors, officers, employees, and other agents as additionally insured by Oct. 18th, 2019.
 
Filling balloons with Helium: Helium tanks must be secured to prevent tipping over. Balloons must be filled at a safe location by personnel familiar with the use of helium and filled prior to entry into the parade route. If they lose their buoyancy, they cannot be refilled on the parade route.
 
From the Fire Marshal: There are no restrictions for Helium filled balloons in the Fire Code, but things to look for are: Balloons that are high enough to contact power lines are prohibited and must be kept away from ignition sources. There should be adequate personnel to control the balloons. They cannot be used if winds are above 25 mph sustained, or gusts above 35 mph and cannot be used in inclement weather, i.e. lightning.
 
Television Coverage:
The abilitySTRONG Parade may receive some televised coverage. Upon your acceptance in the parade, your TV Script/Media information must be completed and submitted to the Parade Director no later than September 29th, 2021, for the host to describe your entry.
 
No parade entry will be allowed to intentionally stop and perform. Violation of this policy will result in a disqualification of the organization from the judging. At the discretion of the Parade Officials, violators may be removed from the parade route and eliminated from participation in future abilitySTRONG Parades.
 
Judging and Awards:
All judging will take place in the staging area prior to the parade step-off.
 
Music/PA Systems:
All entries with live music or sound enhancement systems must include the information on the application. Sound amplification must comply with the City of San Antonio Ordinance. The audio level will be set at a reasonable level as determined by the Parade Officials.
Spacing of Entries:
 
All parade entries must stay within ten (10) feet to the entry in front of you in the forming area until the parade step-off where Parade Officials will space out the entries at approximately every twenty-five (25) feet and entries should maintain that distance throughout the parade route. Parade Officials will strictly monitor this spacing. While on the parade route, all entries must maintain a constant forward direction. Unnecessary delay or “gaps” created by the entries on the parade route will not be tolerated and may be subject to removal. Participants may not slow or stop the forward movement of the parade in any way. Entries that stop to perform along the parade route may be eliminated from participation in future abilitySTRONG parades. At the discretion of the Parade Officials and SAPD, any entries unable to start or maintain their assigned position on the parade route will be removed.
 
Inclement Weather:
Be prepared, the Parade will go on rain or shine. If inclement weather occurs prior or during the parade, the disABILITYsa staff and abilitySTRONG Parade Steering team will consult with SAPD, SAFD, Parade, Marshaling and Compliance Directors to determine if reports of severe weather shall initiate the cancellation or delay of the parade. Participants may decline to participate when weather threatens to damage uniforms, props, instruments, etc. (No fees will be refunded). We suggest that your organization have a weather plan in place should severe weather occur. Every effort will be made to ensure the safety of all participants. However, participants must understand that disABILITYsa will not be held responsible for events beyond our control such as weather, civil turmoil, bomb threats and natural disasters. This includes entrant property.
 
Emergency Plan:
In the event of an emergency, the San Antonio Police Incident Commander will determine if the parade will be delayed or cancelled. If the determination is made that the parade route needs to be evacuated for safety purposes, all participants will be directed to pre-identified safe zones by police officers. Only participants that are on foot and in vehicles other than floats will be directed to the safe zones. All floats will need to remain on the route, therefore, the drivers of the floats will stop their float as far right as possible and will leave the key in the vehicle. Float drivers and riders will need to dismount their float and will need to walk to the safe zone. Once the critical incident is resolved, coordination will be made to remove the floats from the route.
 
Disbanding Area:
All parade participants will disband under the direction of the Parade Officials and SAPD. No participants should remove any devices, costumes, or uniforms until they have reached their designated area. It is prohibited to remove, throw away, discard or make available to anyone along the parade route or disbanding area any lights, medals and parade props. Parade participants may not leave the float prior to reaching the disbanding area.
 
Alcoholic Beverages:
Consumption of alcoholic beverages by any person(s) in the forming area, parade route or disbanding area is strictly prohibited. All participants will be subject to a visual inspection by Parade Officials and SAPD. Anyone in an inebriated condition will not be allowed to participate in the parade and at the discretion of Parade Officials or SAPD; the organization will be removed from the parade and jeopardize future participation.
 
Statement of Nondiscrimination:
There shall be no discrimination based on race, ethnicity, origin, gender or religious affiliation for participation in the abilitySTRONG Parade.

About

Grand Marshal
History
Contact

Parade Info

Parade Sponsorship
Parade Entry
     Parade Route
     Parade Rules
     Parade Theme
​     Required Forms

Event Parking
March Participation
​Spectator Information

Get Engaged

Sponsor
Join the Planning Team
​Enter the Parade
Join the March
​​Volunteer
Spectator Information
AccessAbility fest
Frequently Asked Questions
© COPYRIGHT 2015
​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
  • About
    • Grand Marshal
    • Our Faces
    • History
    • Save-the-Date
    • Contact
  • Parade Info
    • Parade Sonsorship
    • March Participation
    • Parade Participation >
      • Parade Entry
      • Parade Rules
      • Theme Sheet
      • Required Forms
    • Parade Route
    • Event Parking
    • Spectator Information
  • Get Engaged
    • Sponsor
    • Join the Planning Team
    • Enter the Parade
    • Join the March
    • Volunteer
    • Spectator Information
    • AccessAbility fest
  • FAQ