Stopping along the route: Stopping to perform along the route is not permitted, unless otherwise authorized by the Parade Coordinator prior to the parade. Any units stopping and performing in front of the reviewing stand or along the parade route without prior authorization will be automatically disqualified from the competition and forfeit contractual honorariums. Please ensure that all of your routines or performances can be executed whilst marching. There should be no participants exiting the line of march and into the crowd.

Competitive Judging: The official judges for the marching and musical competitions are from the Northeast Judging Association. Judges are located at the reviewing stand on Church Street in front of New Haven City Hall. Units are judged according to categories and will compete for a variety of awards. Award recipients are presented with a commemorative plaque during the Parade Awards Night to be held in Spring 2025. Be aware, in the past, judges have deducted points for lack of uniformity, excessive spacing between units, blocking spectators by handlers, and flag code violations!

End of Parade Route: The last leg of the Parade Route concludes on Grove Street at Orange Street. Marching units are to disperse on Elm and Orange Streets, not Church Street. Please do not impede the flow of the parade participants by congregating on the path alongside Church Street.

Late Arrivals: All units should arrive & check in with division Marshal at their designated staging areas no later than 12:30 P.M. on Parade Day. If your unit arrives late for staging, your unit will be placed at the end of the parade (no exceptions).

Signage: The presence of placards, banners or other devices including pamphlets intended to spread propaganda, political views or to embarrass any group or unit of marchers are prohibited. All commercial or corporate promotions or signage must have prior authorization by Parade Committee. If you want to promote your business in the parade please contact corporate@stpatricksdayparade.org for information on our corporate sponsorship opportunities.

No Candy or Giveaways: Per the order of the City of New Haven; No items such as necklaces, candy, toys or flyers are to be thrown from automobiles, trucks, floats or distributed from marchers to parade viewers. Under no circumstances should anything be thrown or handed out from a vehicle or from parade participants. This is a safety risk for parade participants as well as parade spectators. Units found to be throwing items will run the risk of disqualification and may forfeit contractual honorariums.

Oversized Vehicles / Floats: The parade committee will strictly adhere to the following height and width restrictions: Vehicles can be no wider than 10ft and no taller than 12ft. (standard fire truck). The parade committee reserves the right to refuse entry of any float/trailer/vehicle that exceeds the stated parameters. All floats/trailers must have side railings.

Alcohol: No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed or carried along the parade route, or in the staging/assembly area, by spectators or participants in the parade. The City of New Haven Police Department will enforce penalties for disorderly conduct and alcohol violations.

Parade Orders: Please read and bring copies of the parade orders for the members of your organization on parade day. For your convenience, the orders are published on the website, Parade Orders can be printed directly from the site www.stpatricksdayparade.org, and at the link to www.paradecloud.com. Availability of the orders will commence one week prior to Sunday, March 16, 2025.