Last updated 3/27/2025
Google Over head Map of Parade Route
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I have the $500 check to return to Dan for Liberty High School Band as they were a ‘no show’ for the parade. I did not hear from them and the weather the night before may have resulted in the decision to not participate in the parade (Liberty is 95 miles, an hour and a half away from Springfield).
I will have a check for $100 to pay for St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Claire Oliver, Miss Sangamon County Festival Queen ($50 each) to give to Dan at the next meeting.
My reimbursement totals $388.91 (attached is an overview of expenses and I will provide an envelope of receipts to Dan at the next meeting).
2025 Parade Notes
March 27, 2025, Submitted by Debbie Thompson
Planning
Too many last minute registrations – stick to 2/28 deadline – no exceptions
Communications/Media
Need a checklist for media sponsor: Provide emcee(s) for reviewing stand, agree to host interviews before the parade, bring sound equipment
More Facebook posts and Press Releases for 2026 parade regarding Volunteers (open registration all year), poster contest for high school art students, when registration opens and closes, sponsors (great job this year!), spotlight a parade registrant, etc.
Reviewing Stand
Need a section for wheelchair bound and disabled individuals who want to get up close to the parade – next to chairs at reviewing stand, we can rope off a section and not allow anyone to stand in front of this section, like we do for the chairs.
Assure no one is standing in front of first row chairs at reviewing stand – visibility is difficult for reviewing stand to see next entry number
Staging
Need to place section staging maps and entry names on EVERY clipboard for staging volunteers – only placed alpha line up list and everyone needs the actual section staging maps.
Need formal signage at barricade entries – poster boards worked well, but need better ones
Volunteers
Get ALL volunteers to register on the website
Leave registration open all year for volunteers – announce through Facebook and all Press Releases throughout the year before next year’s parade
2026 Parade IDEAS:
2026 Parade packet pick up – hold on Wednesday, March 11 from 4 pm to 7 pm (Wednesday prior to parade on Saturday, March 14)
Wednesday, March 11 – Recommend a board meeting at 3pm or on Thursday, March 12
Hold volunteer meeting at 7 pm on March 11 after packet pick up or next evening.
Get a count of vests for staging and marshals – Order more MARSHALL vests (and staging, if needed) – Did all Vests and lanyards get returned?
Planning
Need a parade calendar! Color code for Board, Communications/Media, Volunteers, VIP Breakfast, Line Up, Staging, Reviewing Stand, Website, Parade Packet, Vendor Liaison (DONE and attached)
VIP Breakfast
Kayla Graven advised at the Breakfast that she would be a $500 sponsor for the Breakfast or other needed sponsorship.