A PRIMER FOR PROPER PARADE PROTOCOL

On Saturday at 7 p.m., the Portsmouth Halloween Parade will march into its 21st year from Pierce Island by Prescott Park. As the parade grows, the muses behind the event remind participants that while all manner of crafting wonder is encouraged, staying sage and safe is key. To that end, said muses and Parade minions have some traditional and au courant parade decorum to share.

There are no motorized vehicles allowed; open flames are forbidden; and Grand Marshal Monte Bohanan will lead the parade with his entourage of Tim Burton Beasties. None shall march in front of the Grand Marshal or behind the police escort at the rear of the parade.

There is a simple staging equation to follow at Pierce Island. Those marching solo or in small groups should funnel into the paved parking lot there between 6 and 7 p.m. Large groups and productions should go to the Peirce Island Boat Launch lot. The Parade will have Marshals carrying black PHP banners who will be directing marchers.

Portsmouth public safety officials have worked with parade volunteers to draft a guidelines statement to ensure that floats can be controlled easily and that young children are aptly supervised. The Deputy City Attorney’s office request that, “all floats and static displays must be no larger than 6’x6’x6’ and cannot have a motor; they must be pushed, pulled, or worn. Keep in mind that the road surface is uneven at various locations and there are inclines and declines along the parade route. Portsmouth police officers have the authority to remove any float or static display that appears to be unsafe or poses a risk to public safety. Any juvenile under the age of 12 involved in the parade must be properly supervised by a responsible adult.”

The general public is encouraged to create a costume and join the parade. As you consider your wardrobe, remember that there will be young folk, old folk, freaks and, well, police officers all walking with you. Have fun with it, but reasonable standards of public decency and propriety still apply.

While the Parade applauds all forms of free expression, it is not intended to be a political rally or a commercial opportunity. Expect the pressing of outside agendas to be frowned upon, unless deployed with humor, ingenuity, and within the creative, celebratory spirit of the event.

The Parade itself is put on by community members, not the city, and accepts no corporate sponsorship of any kind. Corporate logos or banners will not be welcomed on the march.

The marchers of the Portsmouth Halloween Parade have recognized the fine line between beastie behavior and beastly behavior for two decades. With this mind, participants are urged to check the full list of Proper Portsmouth Halloween Parade Etiquette & The Fine Print at http://www.portsmouthhalloweenparade.org/parade/rules-and-regulations/. The parade route is at http://www.portsmouthhalloweenparade.org/parade/#map. What are you gonna be?