Entry Requirements
Entries must be submitted online by completing our form.
Deadline: May 1, 2026
(If no entry is received for a county by May 1, submissions may be accepted after that date.)
Official Rules and Regulations
Responsibility of Primary Contact
The primary contact/applicant is responsible for the conduct of all participants and must ensure all participants understand and comply with parade rules from acceptance through the end of the parade.
Theme & Historical Focus
Historical Accuracy & County Identity
Floats are encouraged to hightlight:
- Unique county landmarks (e.g., Buffalo National River, Crater of Diamonds)
- Historic figures
- Key industries (agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, etc.)
- Arkansas’s role in national history
- Patriotic themes tied to America’s 250th anniversary
State & National Symbols
- The U.S. and/or Arkansas flag must be properly displayed.
- Flags must be attached securely to a staff or vehicle and fly freely.
- Flags may not be draped over vehicles or used as coverings.
Patriotic Decor
Use the “Colors of the Day” — Red, White, and Blue.
Political & Commercial Restrictions
- Absolutely no political campaigning or issue messaging.
- No campaign signs, political t-shirts, buttons, or literature.
- No recognition of political offices, pageant winners, queens, princesses, or similar titles.
- Individuals may portray historic figures.
- Local sponsors may be acknowledged in moderation.
- Entries whose sole purpose is advertising will not be permitted.
Participant Limits
- Marching Bands: Maximum 40 members. Must play patriotic music.
- Performing Groups: Maximum 20 participants.
- Walkers with Floats: Maximum 10 (all must be costumed).
- All participant numbers must be finalized at application submission.
Float & Vehicle Regulations
- Maximum height: 12 feet
- Exact measurements required in advance.
- No changes to size, length, or vehicles after May 15.
- No additions after approval.
- Riders must remain on the float/vehicle.
- Walkers must remain on the ground.
- No jumping on/off during the parade.
- All riding participants must be essential to the theme.
- Entries may use their own sound systems.
Fog/smoke machines and confetti cannons require prior approval.
Safety & Conduct
Safety is the top priority.
- Drivers must be licensed and insured.
- Drivers may NOT toss candy or items.
- Vehicles must be mechanically sound.
- Owners must confirm no known mechanical defects.
- No alcohol permitted before or during the parade.
- Participants must conduct themselves courteously and safely.
- Parade Committee Members have full authority to remove unsafe or non-compliant entries.
Animals
- Must be under control at all times.
- Must tolerate crowds and loud noise.
- Animal entries walking must be positioned at the end of the parade.
Candy & Giveaways
- Candy and beads may be safely tossed (never overhanded)
- Must be tossed over barricades.
- No heavy objects.
- Unsafe tossing may result in removal and disqualification.
Staging & Line-Up
- Staging Opens: 1:00 PM
- Location: Wolfe Street parking lot behind the Multi-Agency Complex near the Capitol
- All entries must be in assigned position by 4:30 PM
- Parade begins promptly at 5:30 PM
Entries may not request lineup position.
If an entry is not ready when called forward, it will be eliminated.
Parade Operations
- Proper spacing and pace must be maintained.
- A lead pace vehicle will control speed.
- Do not stop.
- Do not change position unless directed by a Parade Committee Member.
- Support vehicles for marching groups are not allowed in the parade.
Cancellations
If an approved entry must cancel, contact John Latch immediately.
Enforcement
Failure to follow rules may result in:
- Immediate removal (even if parade is in progress)
- Disqualification from float contest
- Exclusion from future Arkansas 250 events
These rules are subject to change with appropriate notice.