Application - Mount Holly Parade

Burlington County Saint Patrick’s Parade

Official Rules and Participation Guidelines

These rules are intended to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for participants, spectators, and the community. All groups (“units”) approved to march in the Burlington County Saint Patrick’s Parade agree to comply fully with the following rules and with all directions given by parade officials, law enforcement, and parade volunteers.

1. Registration and Approval

All units must be registered and formally approved by the Burlington County Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee in order to participate.
No unit will be permitted to march without prior registration and approval.
Units may not join, merge with, or march as part of another approved unit unless expressly authorized by the Parade Committee.
Due to space, timing, and logistical limitations, not all applicants may be accepted. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approved based on the needs and balance of the parade.
The Parade Committee reserves the right to limit participation and to close applications at any time, with or without notice.

2. Political Participation

No political candidates or political organizations outside of Mount Holly will be permitted to march without prior, specific approval from the Parade Committee.
Political candidates, elected officials, or political organizations may not join or march with another unit without explicit prior approval.
Units may not invite or allow a political candidate, elected official, or political organization to march with them unless advance approval has been granted.
Failure to comply with this rule will result in the immediate disqualification of all involved units from current and future parade participation.

3. Parade Placement and Formation

All units must march in their assigned position within the parade lineup.
While the Parade Committee will make every effort to accommodate placement requests, specific positions cannot be guaranteed.
Units may not change their position, overtake another unit, or leave their assigned space without direction from parade officials.

4. Conduct, Messaging, and Appearance

The parade is a family-friendly cultural celebration honoring Irish heritage.
No signs, banners, costumes, music, or messages that are offensive, inflammatory, or disrespectful to Irish people, Irish culture, or the spirit of the parade are permitted.
If there is any question about the appropriateness of a message or display, units must seek prior approval from the Parade Committee.
The Parade Committee reserves the right to remove any unit that violates this standard.

5. Lineup, Parking, and Staging

Absolutely no parking—temporary or otherwise—is permitted in designated parade lineup and staging areas.
Each unit is responsible for informing all participants, drivers, and support staff of approved parking locations.
Any vehicle parked in lineup or staging areas will be towed immediately and without warning. This policy will be strictly enforced.

6. Spacing and Parade Pace

Units must maintain a minimum distance of 25–30 yards behind the unit in front of them.
If the unit ahead slows down or stops, your unit must do the same to maintain consistent spacing.
Unit leaders are responsible for ensuring that all marchers, vehicle drivers, and performers understand and comply with this rule.
Failure to maintain proper spacing is one of the most common parade issues and will be addressed by parade officials.

7. Safety and Vehicles

All vehicles, trailers, floats, and equipment must be street-legal, insured, and operated by licensed drivers.
Drivers must follow all instructions from parade officials and law enforcement at all times.
Alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or unsafe behavior are strictly prohibited during lineup, the parade, and dispersal.
Animals are permitted only if they are properly trained, controlled, and approved in advance.

8. Compliance and Enforcement

The Parade Committee, parade marshals, volunteers, and law enforcement have full authority to enforce these rules.
Units that fail to comply may be delayed, repositioned, removed from the parade, or disqualified from future participation.
Participation in the parade constitutes agreement to abide by all rules and decisions of the Parade Committee.

9. Final Authority

The Burlington County Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee reserves the right to interpret, amend, and enforce these rules in the best interest of public safety, parade operations, and the integrity of the event.

We appreciate your cooperation and thank you for helping make the Burlington County Saint Patrick’s Parade a safe, respectful, and memorable celebration for all.