SOUTHERN MAINE PRIDE 2009

Home

Pride Performers

King & Queen

Parade

Festival

Pier Dance

Community Events

Volunteer

About Us

Links

June 14 through June 21, 2009 - Portland, Maine

Updated Instructions for the 2008 PRIDE Parade Saturday June 21
Due to the size of the Parade and the number of people marching we must amend the line up procedures.

Please make note and understand the changes listed below.

1.
There is no need to check in.

2.
Line up will still take place on Preble Street.
Facing Congress St. - 
Walking groups line up on the Left side.
Floats and vehicles line up on the Right side.

3. 
Your Entry will be given a Section Letter (A, B or C) and Parade Number. Make sure your group knows the number and letter beforehand.

4.
Preble Street will be divided into 3 Sections (A, B & C).
Line up according to section and in position from your number.
For example: if you are #10 in section A, fall in place between 9 and 11. If you are #10 and #2 is in front of you and #18 is behind - SPREAD OUT... Make room and spread out as other groups arrive.

5.
Floats and Vehicles must enter Preble Street from Cumberland Ave. Park on the right side of Preble in numerical order.

6.
Float and Vehicle drivers MUST remain with their vehicles at ALL TIMES!

7.
Once the Parade begins, please pay attention and move forward working your way up to Congress St.

8.
The Parade Coordinator will motion for you to enter Parade route.

9.
PLEASE march/drive at a steady pace. DO NOT let large gaps occur or encroach.
Leave at least 2 car lengths in front of you as you march.

10.
There is going to be over 600+ people in the Parade, comprising 45+ units of marchers and vehicles. Please help us help make YOUR Pride Parade safe and enjoyable for all, organizers, participants and viewers.

Any questions please call Dave 207-831-7371 or email podaydo@yahoo.com or dnadeau15@maine.rr.com

Thank you
Parade Starts At Noon Sharp

Kicks off at Monument Square (See Map Below)
Marching West via Congress St., High St., Park Ave., State St., to Deering Oaks Park

Join in the fun and help us make this year's Parade even better then 2007!

If you are with a registered group or entry, We ask you to help up us by following the guidelines below. 

Line Up begins at 10:30 AM

Your Parade group must be on Preble Street by 11:30 AM. 
Please, the earlier the better.

It is the responsibility of the person in charge of your group to gather all your participants and help the Parade Coordinator by lining up, in the order of the Parade numbering. 

Vehicles and Floats must be on Preble Street and in line, No later then 11:30 AM.
NOTE: Registered Vehicles and Floats must access Preble Street via Cumberland Ave.

The SMP Parade Coordinator will be wearing a "rainbow" striped vest, should you look for him in
the area of Preble and Congress Streets.

Our Insurance carrier will not allow walk up registrations on Saturday morning.
You must be registered by close of business on Friday, June 20.

Individuals without identifying signs, banners, or other means of wording may join the Paraden at the end or at the invitation of an already registered group.
Parade Registration Information

BEFORE or ON Friday June 13

$75   Group with Float
$60   Group with Vehicle
$50   Group with Identifying Banner
$55   Individual with Vehicle
$45   Individual with Identifying Banner

AFTER June 13 - No Later Then Friday June 20

$100   Group with Float
$  80   Group with Vehicle
$  70   Group with Identifying Banner
$  75   Individual with Vehicle
$  65   Individual with Identifying Banner
Parade Registration Online
Official Name of Registration
Street Address
And/Or P.O. Box
City
State
Zip Code
Daytime Phone() -
Evening Phone() -
Fax() -
E-mail Address
Website
Contact Person
Title / Affiliation
Contact Person Phone() -
Contact Person Cell() -
Contact person Email
Have You Participated Before; Yes or No
Entry Type: Float, Vehicle(s), Motorized Cart, Motor Cycle, Walking, Banner(s), Bike/Pedal Cart, Other
Brief description of your entry
List what you will include with your Entry; i.e. Music, Performers (Riding or Walking), Throws, Animals, Etc.
Number of people with your entry.
Length of Unit/Entry in feet
Dollar amount you will be sending to confirm Registration
Payment form; Check, Money Order, Cash, Other
Send Payment To:
Southern Maine Pride
C/O Paint Design Unlimited,
500 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101

Please be sure to include your Official Registration Name either on the check or on a note.
Parade Registration Rules

General

  1. Parade participants must submit a completed registration with appropriate fee.

  2. Applicants agree to the following rules and are responsible to inform participants or employees of these rules.

  3. Parade lineup begins at 10:30 A.M. All participants must check in by 11:00 A.M. The Parade will begin at 12:00 P.M. June 21st, 2008. As it is impossible to anticipate every situation that may arise, any conduct that violates any statute of the State of Maine or the ordinance of the City of Portland will not be tolerated. Any person or group violating these will not be allowed to participate in the Parade.

Entry Requirements

  1. Any individual may participate in the Parade without registration provided said individual is walking and/or self-propelled without identifying banner.

  2. A group is three or more people with a banner that identifies their organization.

  3. All individuals and groups by virtue of their participation in the Pride Parade agree to abide by all of the rules and regulations described herein.

  4. Each group must submit a completed registration. Contact information for the organization and/or company and individual submitting the registration must be complete or it may delay the entry process.

  5. The correct fee must be included with the registration.

  6. Fees are quoted per unit. Organizations, companies or individuals may sponsor entries with multiple units, but a separate fee will be assessed for each unit. Units not covered by fees paid will not be allowed to proceed down the Parade route and may jeopardize participation by the entire entry.

  7. All vehicles must meet the following criteria and requirements:
    A “Float” is defined as a motorized unit with decoration or ornamentation, either as a single unit or vehicle with unit in tow.
    A “Vehicle” is defined as a motorized unit without decoration or ornamentation, two or four wheels and two axles.
    Vehicles must be able to navigate the Parade route and make all turns required.
    Vehicle may not be greater than 14 feet in height and no greater than 40 feet in length.
    Vehicle may not exceed 16 feet in width and wheelbase may not exceed 12 inches in width.
    Vehicle may not have wheels extend beyond fenders or their protective elements.
    Vehicle shall show proper registration and proof of insurance upon request.
    Radiators of all vehicles and floats must remain uncovered to prevent over heating and stalling.
    All participating vehicles must have proof of current DMV registration, inspection, and insurance, and all drivers must hold a current unrestricted driver’s license.

Parade Image

  1. It is the stated purpose of Southern Maine Pride Parade to promote a positive image of the GLBTQIA community.

  2. Southern Maine Pride requests all vendors and participants should show respect for all genders, ages, races, cultures, faiths, and sexual orientations. Please refrain from actions that would demean any segment of our community. Southern Maine Pride urges all vendors and participants to maintain a high degree of sensitivity to the feelings, values, and views of all others.

Dress Code

  1. Southern Maine Pride encourages all vendors and participants to appear in appropriate and suitable costumes that celebrate Pride. Unity is always the object of the Pride Parade and no entry, presentation or display that is demeaning to any sector of the community will be allowed or tolerated.

  2. Both serious and comic male and female impersonations are welcome in the Parade providing that such presentations adhere to all rules governing the Parade Dress Code.

  3. Costumes and other apparel worn in the Parade must comply with any Obscenity Statutes of the State of Maine and/or any public decency ordinances of the City of Portland.

  4. Southern Maine Pride does not regulate or censor dress or behavior. However, the City of Portland does.

  5. The Parade Coordinators or Southern Maine Pride Executive Committee may make decisions as to the propriety of attire worn in the Parade.

Conduct of Participants

  1. All participants in the Pride Parade are to conduct themselves in a manner as to promote Pride in the GLBTQIA community. No vendor or participant may use profanity, obscene gestures, or other improper conduct toward another vendor, participant or any spectator of the Parade.

  2. Sexual paraphernalia, genital or phallic representations, real or simulated sexual acts are prohibited.

  3. Units are encouraged to utilize music and participant enthusiasm as part of their entry. Participants may cheer and chant to promote positive response from the spectators. Southern Maine Pride asks all participants to show courtesy to local pedestrians, residents and businesses when lining up, or on the Parade route.

  4. Music volume is to be kept at a minimum until each unit reaches the Parade route.

  5. As freedom of speech is a cherished right in this country, there is always a possibility that there will be persons choosing to protest the Parade. This is a constitutionally protected form of expression, as is having the Parade. All participants are to ignore protestors and not engage in any form of confrontation.
    As Southern Maine Pride possesses the permit to have the Parade, the GLBTQIA community has always won any such conflict.

  6. Finally, as we are here to celebrate the diversity of our community, we     encourage social interaction among participants. Southern Maine     Pride wants the Parade to be a fun and educational experience for everyone. As we are creating this event together, we expect all participants to treat each other with respect and good manners.

  7. Inappropriate behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. In the event of behavior deemed disrespectful or inappropriate, a Parade volunteer can call a Pride Parade Coordinator to the scene, who will then determine appropriate action.

  8. Southern Maine Pride, its duly authorized representatives and assigns have the right to remove any company, organization or individual that refuses to abide by the provisions.

 Personal Safety

  1. All persons participating in the Parade are to be cautious of weather related hazards, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Please be aware of the hazards associated with participating in the Parade. Southern Maine Pride does not assume responsibility for the health and well being of any participants.
  2. All participant floats with motorized, illuminated, or electronic components should have a (type ABC) fire extinguisher and units that do not have one by the start of the Parade may not be allowed to participate in the Parade.
 Awards
  1. Participants will be asked to declare on their registration application the award(s) for which they wish to compete. Entries are welcome to compete in multiple categories, but only one award will be presented to any sponsoring organization, company or individual.
  2. Awards will be presented in the following categories:
    1. Best Representing Equality                                     5.      Best Theme Interpretation
    2. Best Walking/Ruby Slipper                                       6.      Best Float
    3. Best Commemorating Stonewall                            7.      Best Assembly
    4. Best Show from Youth & Leaders of Tomorrow   8.  Best Community Spirit
  3. Parade entrants will be judged from a specified reviewing stand by a panel of guest judges independent of Southern Maine Pride.
  4. Performances for the judges are to be limited to a maximum of one minute. A timekeeper will advise when the allotted time has expired. Any unit not proceeding when time has expired may be subject to disqualification from award competition.
Item Distribution During the Parade
  1. Entries planning Parade “throws” should indicate this on their Parade registration form. Southern Maine Pride reserves the right to deny any item at their discretion.
  2. Any participant discovered throwing items not approved by Southern Maine Pride are subject to clean-up costs and probation from future Parades.
  3. All items approved to be thrown or tossed must be done in a manner that will not cause physical or bodily harm to spectators or surrounding property. Excessive force or speed of an item thrown or tossed will result in the termination of the units right to continue distribution of items.
  4. Condoms or other related items may not be thrown and may not be distributed to any person under the age of 17 years. No sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material may be distributed by any Parade participant.
  5. Items thrown or distributed must have some intrinsic value, providing enticement to be kept, rather than thrown away or tossed to the ground.
 Alcohol, Illegal Substances, Medication
  1. No participant in the Pride Parade will be permitted to consume alcohol or use illegally controlled substances before or during the Parade nor at any assembly or disbanding site.
  2. Those under any influence will not be allowed to participate in the Parade, whether it be driving, riding or walking. They will be deemed a spectator by Southern Maine Pride and made responsible for their own actions.
  3. Participants adversely affected or incoherent from medication will also be removed from the Parade and at no time will be allowed to drive, or ride on, or in a unit.
  4. Any participant violating these rules will be withdrawn from the Parade and will be asked to remove their entry from the area.
Rain Out Policy
  1. In the event of extreme weather, including but not limited to rain, Southern Maine Pride reserves the right to cancel the Pride Parade. Notice of cancellation will be posted no later than 2 hours before the start of the Parade using Southern Maine Pride voicemail or its website www.southernmainepride.org. All efforts will be made to inform participants in a timely way and manner.
  2. Registration fees will not be refunded under any circumstance.
 Rule Enforcement and Appeal
  1. The above rules and regulations are subject to the interpretation of the Parade Coordinators and will be enforced by Southern Maine Pride and its agents.
  2. Appeal of any decision or interpretation of these rules may be made through the Southern Maine Pride Committee, who will evaluate the request and submit a recommendation to the Parade Coordinators.
  3. Only members of Southern Maine Pride and its Board of Directors are authorized to appeal, reinterpret or make exception to the above rules or defined procedures.
  4. The Parade Coordinators and Southern Maine Pride Executive Committee have the right to remove any company, organization or individual for non-compliance of these rules.
  5. Any company, organization or individual removed for non-compliance of these rules shall forfeit any and all fees associated with Parade participation and may affect same day event participation.
  6. Southern Maine Pride retains the right to assess additional repair or clean-up costs to any participant causing damage, generating excessive litter or abandoning refuse.
  7. Southern Maine Pride reserves the right to refuse any registration.
 Changes to the Rules and Regulations
  1. All Rules and Regulations are subject to change without notice. In this event, the most current Rules and Regulations will be posted via the Southern Maine Pride website and general notification will be made within 48 hours of said changes.
Parade Route Map
Last Update May 04, 2008