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2015 North Carolina Azalea Festival Parade Entries

April 11, 2015

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PARADE

Parade Info and Entry Fees (April 9, 2016)

Registration will open October 1, 2015

We invite you to be a part of the 2016 North Carolina Azalea Festival Parade! The 69th North Carolina Azalea Festival Parade will be held Saturday April 9, 2016 and will follow the historic 1 mile long Parade route. It is important that we put on an entertaining and engaging show for both attendees and television viewers alike.  We ask that you submit and decorate your unit accordingly and not only positively represent your group, but represent the pride and joy that flows from participating in one of our oldest community events.

***We will be limiting the number of entries again due to shortening of the Parade.  The Parade Committee will also be conducting reviews of applications for approval so please sign up early and make sure your entry is Parade appropriate, fun, and crowd pleasing!!***

Businesses - If you are entering the Parade as a business you will have four options.  

***These options are designed to create great Parade entries.  These options also give businesses the ability to help bring school bands to the Parade by sponsoring them or helping a 501c3 Non-Profit to have access to a float.  If you have a fun and exciting idea for an entry that does not fit one the following categories, please contact the Parade committee.***

  1. Enter a float (Two options: (1) Provide your own =$350 entry fee or (2) Rent one through the Festival= $1150 entry fee).
  2. Sponsor a non-profit float, this will include a banner on the groups float showing sponsorship ($1150 entry fee)
  3. Sponsor a school marching band ($500 entry fee)
  4. Sponsor a giant character balloon, this will include a banner with balloon showing sponsorship (Price will vary if single or multiple sponsorship balloon, contact office for details).  

Giant Inflatables - Cold Air Balloons

With the giant inflatable balloon rental you can choose from several different balloon options (such as Kermit the Frog) that can go down the Parade route.  The balloons are 15 to 30 feet in height and you can have a banner placed on them or follow on the ground.  You can have people and vehicles with the balloon.  Please contact our office for more info and pricing.

Unit Type and Entry Fee

 

Standard Unit Entry

The price for each unit to enter the parade $350.00. (If you have your own float it is $350.00.  If you woudl like to rent a float please see below under Float Rental Entry) This pricing does not apply to Queen/Princess Entry riding in a car.  There is special entry fee for these units, see below Queen/Princess Entry.

Official 501-C3 Charitable Non-Profit Entry

If you are an official 501-c3 Charitable Non-Profit Organization the regular entry fee is $25.  You will need to submit official 501-c3 documentation.   The special cost for an official 501c3 to rent a float is $875, this fee includes the float rental and the entry fee.  This does not apply to Queen/Princess Entry riding in a car - This unit enty has a special price see below Queen/Princess Entry.

Other Non-Profit or Community Organization not designated 501-c3 Entry

If your group is not an official 501-c3 Charitable Non-Profit Organization the standard Unit Entry fee applies of $350. Please see information on Float rental below.

Float Rental Entry

The price for businesses and organizations to enter the parade and rent a float through the North Carolina Azalea Festival is $1,150.00.  This fee includes a black and white banner on the side of the float with your organization/business name on it.  The fee also includes azaleas to be displayed on your float during the Parade.  Distribution of azaleas will take place the morning of the Parade.  

School (or) Military Marching Bands & JROTC Unit Entry

Free!!

Giant Inflatable Balloon Rental Entry

With the giant inflatable balloon rental you can choose from several different balloon options that can go down the Parade route.  The balloons are 15 to 30 feet in height and you can have a banner placed on them or follow on the ground.  You can have people and vehicles with the balloon.  

Car Club Entry

The price to enter the Parade as a car club, motorcycle group, ATV group, etc. is $350.00 for the first 10 units and $25.00 per any additional unit over ten. (Unit being 1 car, 1 motorcycle, etc.)

Queen/Princess Entry

The price to enter the Parade as a queen or princess is $150.00 PER QUEEN.  2 Queens riding in same car is $300.  Signs will be provided for vehicles.  Please provide your own vehicle.  The Azalea Festival may be able to help entries find or locate a vehicle and driver in certain situations, please contact the Parade Committee to see if any are available.  

Horse Group Entry

The price to enter the parade as a horse group is $350.00.  If your group will incorporate the use of ATV's, there is an additional fee of $250.00 for the first 10 units and $15.00 per unit thereafter.  Individual horse groups without ATV's should complete one application.  **Coggins documents must be presented for the event on each horse.

 

 

REGISTRATION DATES:

  • October 1, 2015 - November 30, 2015 Early registration discount applies:  

All paying groups except official 501C-3 Nonprofits paying $25 fee shall receive an early bird discount of $50.00 and all individuals shall receive a discount of $25.00.    

  • December 1, 2015 - February 28, 2016  Normal pricing will apply on payment.
  • Late Fee of $75.00 late fee will apply to all paying units after February 28, 2016.
  • Registration Closes March 15, 2016 and unpaid applications will be cancelled.

 

APPLICATION FORM:

Please apply for the Parade by submitting your application online.  Please check the appropriate registrant/unit type for your group and follow the instructions.  You will be contacted via the email you provide for acceptance into the Parade.  You can log into your account at any time to change information by using your email and password.

PAYMENT:

Please do not submit payment until your unit has been notified of approval by the Parade Committee and accepted into the Parade.   Once accepted, a representative will send you notification by email with instructions on submitting fees.  A late fee of $75.00 will apply to all applicants who have not paid in full by February 28th.  Late fees incur from March 1st - March 15th.  If payment is not received by March 15, 2016 your unit will not be allowed to participate in the Parade.  The cutoff date for applications is March 15, 2016.

Questions/Contact:  Parade Line: 910-794-3103 or Parade(at)ncazaleafestival.org