FROM GRIF PRITCHARD
ORDER OF CIMARRON
EDITOR’S NOTE: SEE FORMS BELOW FOR PARADE OR TO BE A VENDOR. SEND PAYPAL PAYMENTS TO OOCMARDIGRAS@GMAIL.COM.
Happy (early) Mardi Gras!
The Order of Cimarron is currently in the planning stages of our 10th parade, scheduled for February 13, 2021, through the streets of downtown Wetumpka. Our 2020 event was the largest to date with more than 200 participants (the parade featured over 100 and we had a great vendor turn out well) and drew more than 15,000 to Wetumpka to celebrate, shop and catch a strand of beads or 12.
We also had a record number of sponsors – Wind Creek Wetumpka (our presenting sponsor), Maranda Hiett – State Farm, the Gab, the Coosa River Crafthouse, Tannehill Photography, and McPhillips & Shinbaum came on board as first-time float sponsors.
It’s not lost on us that the 2021 parade will be a little different given the current covid climate. However, due to past success, the steps we took because of our growth actually end up addressing some of the social distancing requirements.
We are moving our staging area to Wetumpka’s Hohenburg Field located on Osceola Street and will start the parade deeper into West Wetumpka as a result. But that’s all for a later email closer to the festival.
Right now, the first thing I want to do is thank you for your past participation and give you the opportunity to commit to being a part of the 2021 event. Attached to this email, you will find a parade form and a vendor form.
I know there are some months between now and the parade and that a lot of things could change. Right now though, we are steadily working toward another great and successful event that draws folks to Wetumpka from throughout the River Region, and ultimately the state.
One thing we are looking to emphasize this year is sponsorships on either the $500 or $250 level as monies donated go to help offset parade costs and will also be donated to certain student groups and high school bands that travel to participate from outside the area.
Our website is undergoing maintenance (wetumpkamardigras.com) and will be up soon, but you can find us on Facebook at Order of Cimarron.
If you have any questions or would like to continue the conversation my cell is 256-496-0032.
ABOUT THE PARADE/SAFETY
This is a rain or shine event.
Safety and family fun are the most important elements of the Order of Cimarron Mardi Gras Festival Parade. Participants must abide by the parade rules and should be alert for spectators scrambling for throws.
– All entries must be decorated in good taste and reflect a Mardi Gras theme and/or colors (purple, green and gold)
– The City of Wetumpka does not permit the use of any type confetti no matter the means of dispersal
– Participants cannot enter or exit any vehicle once the parade is in progress
– The parade committee reserves the right to ask that items deemed offensive be removed from floats, vehicles or parade participants. If the request is not granted, the committee has the right to remove the entry from the parade lineup. This includes but is not limited to music selections
– All entries must be pre-registered to participate in the parade
– Throws should be thrown gently, preferably underhand, to, not at, spectators. Throws must be thrown well away from parade vehicles to discourage spectators from crowding the street
– Acceptable throws include beads, candy, stuffed toys, plastic cups, Moon Pies, doubloons, t-shirts, etc.
Sharp objects such as pens /pencils are not acceptable. NO BALLS OF ANY SHAPE WILL BE
ALLOWED – No paper handouts are permitted
– Children who are parade participants MUST be supervised by responsible adults
– Floats must have a minimum of one designated person WALKING per side FOR EVERY 10 FEET OF
FLOAT LENGTH to keep spectators from approaching too close
– Drivers must be adults complying with all state laws applicable to their particular type of vehicle
– Parade entries AND DECORATIONS cannot exceed 12 feet in height (bridge clearance is 12’6”) and
the vehicles must have WORKING brake lights
– Floats/decorations must be secured to provide against injury to participants or spectators
– Participants cannot have firearms (loaded or unloaded) at any time
– Participants cannot use bullhorns
– No alcoholic beverages are allowed on entries any time before or during the parade
– No stunts will be allowed by go-carts, motorcyclists or horse riders during the parade
Horse-riding groups are responsible for policing the droppings of their horses prior too, during the parade and at the Wetumpka Civic Center during load-up.
Deadline for parade entry applications is February 11, 2021, although limited space will be available, provided a member of the parade committee knows you are planning to participate. Lineup positions will be determined by parade committee as you arrive at the staging area located at Hohenburg Field (401 Osceola St.).
Entries should arrive by 11:30 a.m., the day of the parade and will be directed to pre-parade position. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. sharp. All entries must continue to the designated parade ending location, either behind City Hall or the Wetumpka Civic Center Parking lot.
Expect an email parade week with additional information. Visit wetumpkamardigras.com or the Facebook page for updates.
