The Public Works Department is currently reviewing the ordinance (AMC Section 11.40), guidelines and fees associated with parades, races and special events.  Applicants requesting to hold events at City facilities, Lithia Park or the Bandshell should first contact the Parks Department office at 541-488-5340. For use of the downtown core and/or public streets and sidewalks contact the Public Works Department at 541-488-5347. If your event occurs exclusively on Parks property, a permit is not required by the City, but is required by Parks.

 

To ensure adequate time for review, submit the application (link below) and required route map no less than 60 days prior to the actual date of your event. Please note, the acceptance of this application does not in any way imply automatic approval of your event.

 

Applications are to be submitted to the Public Works Administration Office located at 51 Winburn Way. For further information, call at 541-488-5347.

 

Below are the current rules governing parade permits:

 To ensure reasonable safety to life and property in the operation of parade floats, automobiles, and similar conveyances within the city limits of Ashland.
 

 1. Materials used in construction, decoration, etc. must be flame retardant. Materials such as straw or hay must also be treated.

 2. Where a person is within a flat, such as the driver, there shall be no combustible material within five (5) feet of his/her exit way.

 3. Motorized floats, or floats pulled by a motorized vehicle, and automobiles shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher with a classification of at least 2A 10BC (when vehicle and trailer are connected as a single unit, one extinguisher will meet this requirement). Bicycles, motorcycles, boats and go-carts are not required to carry extinguishers.

 4. Horse-drawn wagons and other non-motorized conveyances using straw or other combustible material shall carry fire extinguishers as prescribed above.

 5. NO SMOKING is allowed on any float and no person shall cause or permit any open flame upon or within the area of any float.

6. No combination of vehicles coupled together shall consist of more than two (2) vehicles.

7.  Vehicles towing trailers must be equipped with a tow bar or coupling device of sufficient strength to hold the weight of the towed vehicle upon the street when operated.

8.  Vehicles towing trailers shall be equipped with safety chains, connected to the towed and towing vehicles and to the two bar to prevent the tow bar from dropping to the ground in the event the tow bar or coupling device fails.

9. Safety chains shall have no more slack than is necessary to permit proper turning.

10.  A float may not exceed 40 feet in length and 13 2 feet in height.

11.  Vehicles and floats shall stay in their assigned position in the parade.

12.  Operators of vehicles shall not have their vision obstructed.

13.  Persons riding on floats shall be located on the main part of the float and positioned so they will not obstruct the vision of the operator.

14.  Persons shall remain on the unit to which they are assigned to the end of the parade route, except in case of emergency.

15.  No unit shall disband until reaching the destination indicated on the permit, except in case of breakdown or emergency.

16.  The drinking, display, or possession or alcoholic beverages or other intoxicants or controlled substances is absolutely prohibited. City ordinances and state laws will be enforced.

17.  The discharge of firearms, fireworks, or other explosive devices is prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted.

18.  The throwing of objects or substances into the crowd is prohibited. Candy, balloons or small items may be dropped in front of the crowd along the street.