The parade takes place no matter what the weather conditions may be, organizers said, and each entry pays a $10 fee. To participate, the entries must be on wheels and lighted, the more lights, the better chance of winning the $50 prize awarded in each category. Glow sticks are not sufficient lighting for a float or participants, organizers reminded entry hopefuls. Vehicles with headlights should keep them off as they distract other entries and music is welcome, officials said. Political entries are strictly prohibited.
"This is not just another parade. This is a chance to shine," organizers said. Staging for the parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Goddard Road, west of Wayne Road. Only actual parade entries should attend the line up procedure. All other participants must park at the Romulus Progressive Club near Five Points at 11580 Ozga St. There will be a shuttle service provided to the stating location to join groups.
"This will help reduce congestion during lineup and have your vehicles at the end of the parade. Vehicles not actually participating in the parade will be allowed in the staging area only to drop off participants and then will be directed elsewhere for parking," organizers said in a prepared statement. There will be no parking available at the staging location.
There will be hot dogs and water available at the Progressive Hall for participants after the parade, they added,
Entries will be organized into six categories. Voting for the favorite for each category will be completed on the RomulusRotary Facebook page by "liking" the photos of the various floats. Winners will be announced on Facebook at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 and will be invited to a Romulus Rotary Club meeting to be recognized and awarded their prize money.
Parade entry categories include: Commercial - Any float entry advertising a business will be considered in this category. This might also include any entry that has paid employees helping in the creation of the float; Motorized - Any non-commercial float entry that is motor powered. This would include churches, family floats, and non-profit organizations; Non-Motorized - Any non-commercial float entry that is not motor powered. This might include horses, bikes, or groups of people walking in the parade; Classic Car - Any classic car, including trucks, buses and other forms of transportation; Live Music - Marching bands and/or floats with live music/entertainment and School - Any entry that might be created and affiliated or advertised as a school such as Romulus High School, Barth Elementary, Halecreek Elementary, Summit Academy, etc.
