Parade Regulations
1. The Vigilante Parade, started in 1924, is dedicated to the pioneers who settled Helena. Your entry should be built around historic Helena themes, so think of a great Helena idea or chose from the list below, or your own idea approved by the co-chairs (see below). Entries may be float entries or walking entries. We are planning on large cash prizes for the winners in each division. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each division and a Sweepstakes for the best entry in the parade.
2. Select a chairman and decide on a theme that relates to the history of Helena. Refer to the list for suggested themes.
3. The chairman may sign up for a float theme and pick up the registration packet in the library:
The chairman may sign up for a float theme in the library:
Thursday, April 4th at lunch through Thursday, April 11th during the times listed below.
â–ª 7:50-8:15 â–ª 12:00 – 12;30â–ª 3:15-3:40
Float Registration:
Friday, April 12th through Friday, April 19th during the times listed below:
â–ª 7:50-8:15 â–ª 12:00 – 12;30â–ª 3:15-3:40
No registration forms will be accepted after April 21st.
4. Complete the registration process in the library during the dates and times listed below. No registration forms will be accepted after April 19th.
You must complete the following:
* Vigilante Parade Registration from HHS website (typed)
* Historic essay from HHS website (typed)
* Parade Vehicles (in packet)
* Vigilante Entry Roster (in packet)
* Map (in packet)
* Parent Approval slip (for each participant)
5. The “Vigilante Parade Registration” form must be downloaded from the Helena High School Website, located at hhs.helenaschools.org. This form must be typed and include your historical essay. You need to take great care in preparing the Historical Essay since the judges will refer to your research when making their selections of prize winning entries. You will receive an entry number and a map of the staging area for the parade when you register in the Library.
6. A maximum of twelve (12) people may be registered as working on an entry except antique vehicle entries which have a maximum of 4 people. If your float consists of people from both high schools the permission slips for all participants need to be turned in by your chairman at the school where the float is registered. ONLY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE. This does not, of course, preclude others assisting, for example the driver of the vehicle for a float. Get a truck or trailer lined up as soon as possible because only a limited number of trucks and trailers are available in the Helena area, so plan ahead.
7. If you sign up for a float and do not actually construct that float, you will receive an unexcused absence for the day of the parade.
8. Your entry must be registered and given a number. One official number will be supplied and should be displayed on the FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CARRYING OR TOWING THE FLOAT. Float entries must have an additional large (12” x 12”) number sign placed on the LEFT SIDE OVER THE REAR TIRE of the vehicle carrying or towing the float.
9. Remember you are participating in a Historical Parade and you must be in period clothing. Therefore dress appropriately, following your school dress code, which includes no bikinis. All floats depicting peoples such as Native Americans or the Chinese must be well-researched and historically accurate. Students are asked to respect cultural diversity and heritage while avoiding racial stereotypes (see below).
10. Your entry must be well identified by a sign, and the quality of the float will be greatly enhanced by a high quality sign. A light wooden frame around the sign is necessary so it does not blow away.
11. According to city ordinance, floats must not be wider than fourteen (14) feet and must be less than thirteen (13) feet in height from the street level. If height is greater than 13 feet, you may get hung up on low hanging wires at intersections. If the width of 14 feet is exceeded, your entry will not fit through the downtown pedestrian mall.
12. The parade will be organized on Helena Avenue and the route will be south on Last Chance Gulch, west on Broadway, north along Park Avenue to Benton Avenue and concluding at the Civic Center (see map below).
13. Antique vehicle entries should complete research on the vehicle, and riders should be in costume of the time. Only vehicles from 1970 and older will be allowed in the parade for this category. No “Hot Rodding” of vehicles will be allowed. This includes spinning the tires (burning rubber) or careless/reckless activities. Citations will be issued as necessary.
14. The date and location of prize awards is still to be determined.
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15. Any evidence of the use of alcohol or tobacco will result in disqualification of the entry. If bottles, etc. are used as stage props, the labels must be removed and must be glued to a counter or table. DO NOT HOLD OR CONSUME.
16. Students must not throw candy or other objects from their floats, this is a safety hazard for small children along the parade.
17. NO GUNS, STARTER PISTOLS, OR BB GUNS WILL BE ALLOWED. ONLY REPLICA FIREARMS (WOODEN OR PLASTIC ARE ALLOWED). NO EXPLOSIVES WILL BE ALLOWED ON FLOATS. NO HAY RIDE, HOT TUB, MUD FIGHT, BARBQ ENTRIES OR FIRES WILL BE ALLOWED. Examples of a fire hazard pertaining to combustible parade floats and other parade apparatus include, but are not limited to:
· Fires
· Smoking (tow vehicles and floats)
· Flammable and combustible liquids
· Explosives and blasting agents
· Fireworks
· Pyrotechnic materials
· Gunpowder
· Open flame devices
· Hazardous materials
· Flammable gasses (propane, etc.)
· Heat producing equipment and devices
· Hazardous electrical wiring
18. Parade officials reserve the right to remove inappropriate entries from the parade. These include entries which do not meet requirements as outlined in this set of rules as well as commercial advertisements, political campaigning, or other inappropriate entries. It is not the purpose of the Vigilante Parade to advertise for local businesses, however, we recognize the desire to thank them for their contributions. Students have the option of displaying one 2’ x 2’ sign on the door panel of their vehicle for this purpose. Remember, this parade is representative of the high school students of our community.
The parade is about Helena history and we have included a list of great ideas for your float or you can choose your own. The Montana Historical Society (http://www.montanahistoricalsociety.org/research/default.asp,), helenahistory.org or our Librarians have great ideas and have a wealth of information to help with your research.
If you come up with an idea that is not on the list, simply present it to Mr. Schlepp.
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You must have already signed up for a theme BEFORE you turn in your registration packet! DO NOT WAIT UNITL THE LAST MINUTE!
