2013 WV Pumpkin Festival Parade

Welcome to the WV Pumpkin Festival Parade!! We are continuing with our plans to make our Parade even bigger and better than before. We will be partnering with the Cabell Midland Marching Knights to once again allow bands from all over the region to participate and compete in the parade portion of the Marching Knights annual competition. The competition is called the WV Pumpkin Festival Harvest of Champions Parade Competition. For more information regarding this portion of the event and competition registration please contact the Marching Knights direct at www.cmhsmarchingknights.org or call (304) 743-7400 ext. 7426.

After the positive feedback and the good time we had last year, we are again going to have our parade on a Saturday. This year's Parade will be on Saturday, September 21, 2013. We wish to thank, in advance, the City of Milton and their wonderful staff for their support in many ways. The City of Milton will allow vendors to offer refreshments along the parade route. Any group interested in this opportunity will need to contact the City of Milton in advance at (304)743-3032 or www.wvmilton.com.
 

The parade will start at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Line up for all except the marching bands will be at the WV Pumpkin Park at #1 Pumpkin Way. Line up will start at 7:00 A.M.  We have made a few rule changes to make the parade safer and more enjoyable for all. All the rules are posted below. For any questions about the Parade, call Gary Cooper at (304) 743-9159, Mark Cooper at (304) 743-3524 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We invite all to come out to help us kick off the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival with this event!!

West Virginia Pumpkin Festival Parade Rules

1. Every float must have constructed sides. Craftsmanship on every float must produce a neat, decorative and creative effect. The maximum length for any float is 35 feet. Any float considered unsafe or not suitable will be excused from the event. DUE TO CROWD CONTROL AND SAFETY, THE WV PUMPKIN FESTIVAL WILL ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OBJECT THROWN FROM MOVING FLOATS, VEHICLES, OR ANY PERSON OR PERSONS IN THE PARADE.

2. All float and tow vehicle operators must have a current and proper license for the vehicle they intend to operate. Drivers and vehicles must have proper insurance.

3. Any group or individual may build or obtain a float from any source and enter it in the WV Pumpkin Festival Parade if all rules and regulations are met.

4. No sirens, cues, horns. etc. permitted unless in case of emergency. No excessive volume on any amplified device.

5. All floats entered for judging must be in the lineup and complete by 9:00 A.M. in order to be judged for the Queen’s Choice Trophy. All entries must be in the lineup by 10:30 A.M. Judging for all other entries will take place during the parade with trophies being presented at the red light at the intersection of Rt. 60 and Smith Street.

6. All entrants must obey the instruction of the Parade Officials in order to provide even movement of the parade as a whole. These officials will be properly identified and have the authority to disqualify or eject anyone from the parade. Failure to comply with the rules and regulations may result in disqualification and/or ejection from the parade and removal from future invitations. 

7. A distance of no less than forty (40) feet and no more than sixty (60) feet must be maintained between any two entries. Parade entries must not stop unless the entire procession is halted. In case of mechanical difficulties, the entry must be moved to the side and out of the parade flow as quickly as possible to prevent gaps in the parade. Float riders must remain on the float throughout the entire parade. The Parade Committee must approve any exceptions. All participants must be able to maintain the pace of the parade. No gaps will be allowed. Walkers may step aside and allow the next unit to pass if needed

8. This is a family event. The use of alcohol or intoxicating substances will not be tolerated. Persons found to be under the influence of these substances will be removed from the parade and the proper authorities wllk be notified. 

9. Safety devices are required on all vehicles.

10. Any rider or operator of any wheeled vehicle such as a skateboard, 4 wheeler, mini bike or scooter, go carts, etc. will wear properly fitted and secured safety head gear approved for the type of vehicle being operated. All equestrian participants 12 years old and under will wear an approved equestrian riding helmet properly fitted and secured.

11. No stallions will be permitted in the parade. Poorly controlled animals will be excused from the parade.

12. An equestrian unit in a forward placement in the parade will have an equestrian "diaper" or some sort of debris removal provision.