Pumpkin Parade - Information and Safety Policy

To be allowed to participate in the family-oriented Damariscotta Pumpkinfest™  Giant Pumpkin Parade, it is mandatory that every unit must submit a completed & signed “Parade Application and Waiver” before Friday, October 11, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. to Mark Doe, Parade Chairman (via email at parade@damariscottapumpkinfest.com or mail to address below)

The applications will be vetted by DPD/LCSO to ensure driver’s licenses are valid.  Unacceptable applicants will be notified by email, and any decision of Damariscotta Pumpkinfest™  to disallow a unit is binding and final.  Any violation of the safety procedures will result in the unit not being permitted to participate in future Damariscotta Pumpkinfest™ Giant Pumpkin Parades.

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

  • Entries which are political, religious, controversial or vulgar (Pumpkinfest’s decision is binding.)

  • Items of any kind (including candy, water, silly string, coupons, promotional materials, etc.) tossed at the parade spectators from any moving float/vehicle (constitutes a safety violation)

  • Fundraising of any kind

  • Drinking alcohol, smoking or use of controlled substances, and glass containers of any kind

  • Sirens, fireworks or pyrotechnics of any kind 

  • Promotion of any kind (including business advertising & non-profit awareness), other than a sign identifying the unit’s sponsor or organization   


The following safety procedures must be observed without exception:

  • Riders must be either secured or positioned so they cannot fall from floats or off moving vehicles 

  • Walkers must be kept at a safe distance (25’ or more) from moving vehicles and have good visibility in costume, and all animals must be under firm control by their riders/handlers  

  • Animals must be followed by unit-member with shovel & bucket to immediately clean up

  • Youth participants must be supervised by an adult 

  • Each float must consist of no more than one vehicle pulling one trailer (insured), and all drivers must be over age 18 and validly licensed & currently insured – drivers must have clear visibility & maintain a distance of 25’ or more between vehicles & walkers at all times.

  • Ultimate responsibility for safety lies with each parade unit, which must implement relevant government regulations, safety codes, manufacturer’s recommendations, etc. to operate safely

  • Participants are to move to the RIGHT SIDE OF MAIN STREET if emergency vehicle is passing  

Please submit your unit’s completed and signed Parade Application & Waiver to:

Mark Doe, Parade Chairman, Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta™ - 2024

P.O. Box 1101, Damariscotta, ME 04543-1101

parade@damariscottapumpkinfest.com 

207-563-5442 (o) / 207-592-1249 (cell)