Make a Donation

Rules and Regulations

98th Annual Alsatia Mummers' ParadeAlsatia Mummers’ Parade Rules & Regulations – PLEASE READ!

These rules and regulations have been established for the safety and quality of the parade.  Failure to comply with the established rules and regulations will result in removal from participation in this and future parades or events.

Application Deadline: All parade entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on Friday, October 10, 2025  (or be subject to placement at the end of the parade).

Download Parade Rules and Regulations PDF

PARADE ENTRIES:

All entries in the Alsatia Mummers’ Parade must be entertaining, creative, unique, and exciting for spectators. We accept applications in the following categories:

  • Mummers – a person(s) walking in the parade wearing elaborate, imaginative costumes.
  • School/Non-School Floats – fully decorated, motorized platforms designed to be visually appealing and entertaining.
  • Vehicles – antique/classic, buses, convertibles, decorated automobiles, emergency (fire trucks/EMS), military, motorcycles, passenger cars, and nursing home vans.
  • Walking Groups – organized bodies walking in the parade (bands, majorettes, color guards, drill teams, cheer/dance, scouts, 4-H clubs, and schools in themed or special dress).
  • Sponsoring Business Units – businesses that participate in advertising or promoting for-profit services or products.

PARADE ROUTE:

  • 1.5 miles long, largest nighttime parade on the East Coast
  • Step Off Time (of first entry): 6:00 PM ET
  • Starting Point: Intersection of North Potomac Street (~480), Potomac Avenue, and Wayside Avenue, locally known as “The Point”.
  • Ending Point: South Potomac Street (~775) and East Howard Street
  • Club Seats – Sound Offs/Performance Areas (3 locations):
  • 1,500 reserved seats along the parade route
  • Purchase through Maryland Theater https://www.mdtheatre.org/mummers
  • Location #1: North Potomac St. (Charles Street to W. North Avenue)
  • Location #2: North Potomac St. (W. Franklin Street to Public Square)
  • Location #3: South Potomac St. (S. Locust Street to Memorial Blvd) This section is the Judging Area.

 THIS IS A FORWARD MOTION PARADE. 

  • All units MUST maintain forward motion throughout the duration of the parade.
  • Should the forward movement of the parade be stopped due to circumstances beyond your control, your unit may perform in place (e.g., drill, dance) while stopped. However, you must immediately cease performing and resume forward movement when the parade restarts or at the direction of the Alsatia Parade Marshal.

 ENTRY APPLICATION:

  • The online application, https://www.alsatiaclubinc.com/parade/parade-application-2025, must be completed and signed with a full understanding of the parade’s rules and regulations.
  • The person submitting the parade application is fully responsible for disseminating/circulating the rules and regulations to all parade participants of their entry.
  • The Alsatia Mummers’ Parade committee reserves the right to reject any application or entry.
  • If applicable, payment is required with the entry application.
  • All entries MUST sign the Hold Harmless Agreement with the City of Hagerstown and the Alsatia Club before an entry is accepted.
  • Entrant agrees to permit The Alsatia Club and parade associates to use their names and/or photographs/videos of the units for publicity, advertising, and commercial promotion before, during, and after the event.
  • Applicants will receive notification of their acceptance to participate within two weeks of receipt.

 PARADE SPONSORSHIP:

  • Parade business sponsorship information is available at alsatiaclubinc.com/sponsorship-form / or call 301-739-2044.
  • Various levels of sponsorship are available, starting at $250.
  • Sponsorship levels at $500 or above qualify for parade entry for business or group for profit advertisement. Refer to the Float and/or Vehicle sections accordingly.
  • All commercial float entries MUST be of professional quality and meet high judging standards to be eligible for prizes.
  • For commercial float inspiration and design ideas, go to shawparades.com, www.clinesfloats.com, www.andersons.com, and www.kirbyparadefloats.com.

     CANCELLATION POLICY:

    • This event is a rain-or-shine event. Only a significant act of nature will cancel the parade; all units will be notified.
    • If, for any unforeseen reason, your unit is unable to participate in the parade after being accepted, you must contact the parade staff immediately at 301-739-2044 prior to the parade date.
    • Entries absent on parade day without proper notification may not be accepted in future events.
    • Entry fees are not refundable. If, for any reason, an entry is not accepted into the line-up, fees will be returned.  Once accepted into the line-up, fees are non-refundable.

    IDENTIFICATION SIGNS:

    • Identification signs or banners are highly encouraged for all entries to ensure proper acknowledgment and enhance the experience for spectators.
    • Signs must be used for parade entry identification purposes only and not as an advertisement or political statement.

     GENERAL RULES FOR “ALL” ENTRIES:

    • All 2025 parade entries are to be submitted by 11:59 PM ET Friday, October 10, 2025. Any entries received after this date and time are subject to being placed at the parade’s end.
    • PARADE WILL PROMPTLY START AT 6:00 PM. Please report to your assigned check-in station on time.
    • All members of your group must always follow instructions from Parade Officials.
    • Parade Marshalls, clearly identified by wearing Alsatia Parade fluorescent orange vests, will be located along the parade route, can provide assistance, and are instructed to inform judges of any violations.
    • Points may be deducted for any violations of the parade rules. Judges may be stationed all along the parade route and in the judge’s reviewing area at Bester School.
    • All entries provide family-oriented entertainment. Participants must be decently attired.
    • NO DISTRIBUTION OF CANDY, LITERATURE, OR ITEMS OF ANY TYPE BY ANY ENTRY WILL BE ALLOWED. ANY VIOLATIONS WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE PARADE.
    • NO entries can contain political, controversial, obscene, or anti-religious messaging in any form.
    • Non-commercial entries cannot promote commercial or financial businesses. Parade business sponsorships are available at alsatiaclubinc.com/sponsors .
    • NO PASSENGERS ARE ALLOWED TO RIDE IN THE BED OF PICK-UP TRUCKS.
    • All live animals are subject to approval by the Alsatia Parade Formation Committee. Liability insurance will be required.
    • The Alsatia Club is not liable for injury to parade participants or spectators, for damage to floats, or for damage caused by floats or damage to vehicles and personal property.
    • Sounding of firearms, sirens/horns, and open fires are NOT permitted.
    • DO NOT jump on or off any moving float or vehicle.
    • DO NOT interfere in any way with other units, including but not limited to sound systems. Noise should be kept to a minimum within the staging/assembly areas.
    • The parade committee has the right to invite incumbent (present) elected officials and other dignitaries as guests to participate in the Mummers’ parade.
    • At minimum, units will begin their performance at three (3) different “SOUND OFF” signs along the parade route.
    • The Alsatia Club Mummers’ Parade Queen and King participants must be from Washington County High School Homecoming Competitions.
    • Tri-State, State and National Princess and Queen winners are considered individually as parade entries.
    • No Physical interaction with the spectators allowed.
    • All vehicle entries must be properly insured and registered, and drivers must have valid driver’s licenses.
    • No person or device can be used to propel, accelerate, lift, or toss one or more performers. No stacking of persons (no pyramids).
    • Entries must meet all parade’s rules and regulations and specific judging criteria to be eligible for Cash Prizes on applicable parade entry categories.
    • Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet and no more than 50 feet between any two entries. Gaps should be closed whenever possible, as directed by Alsatia Parade Officials.
    • Portable restroom facilities will be available along Oak Hill and Potomac Avenue.
    • All units are responsible for cleaning up all debris caused during setup, within staging/assembly, and when disbanding from the event. We also kindly ask that you remain respectful if visiting local shopping centers, churches, and business parking lots.

     CHECK-IN / LINE-UP ASSEMBLY:

    • Report to your assigned street assignment within the specified timeframe based on your entry type, as described below.
    • Parade Officials, wearing Alsatia Parade fluorescent orange vests, will direct your entry to the assigned staging area.
    • For your safety, please remain mindful of normal traffic flow prior to official street closures, as well as parade vehicles within the staging area
    • Once the City of Hagerstown officially closes the streets, NO non-parade traffic will be allowed past the barriers. Therefore, it is recommended that you pre-plan the coordination of all participants in your parade entry.

    MUMMER RULES:

    • Participants must arrive at check-in dressed in a creative, unique, and colorful costume.
    • The costume MUST NOT BE OFFENSIVE to a general audience, as it may result in denied entry into the parade.
    • Mummers may not enter with a motorized or mechanized vehicle, such as a mini bike, moped, or motorcycle.
    • Mummers shall complete the entire length of the parade without leaving their designated placement or position.
    • MUMMER SIGN-UP / CHECK-IN:
    • Pre-register Online alsatiaclubinc.com/parade-application-2025 or sign up on parade day at the check-in location.
    • SIGN-UP TIME: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM on the evening of the parade, unless pre-registered.
    • SIGN-UP/CHECK-IN LOCATION: 480 N Potomac Street, Middletown Valley Bank parking lot
    • CHECK-IN TIME: If you have pre-registered online, sign-up on parade day is unnecessary; however, please check-in by 5:45 PM.
    • You will be assigned a unique Mummer number, which MUST BE CLEARLY visible throughout the entire parade route.

    FLOAT BUILDING RECOMMENDATIONS:

    • Official float supplies such as floral sheeting, fringe, and festooning can be obtained at paradefloatstuff.com or a parade supplier of your choice.
    • Consider building the float with removable panels/sections for storage and future use.
    • Utilize Google for inspiration on parade floats.
    • To minimize costs, check garage and estate sales, thrift stores, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and clearance events for building supplies and/or float decorations.
    • Contact The Alsatia Club for guidance.

    FLOAT RULES:

    • The entire float must be decorated with flame-retardant and waterproof material except for the towing vehicle; self-propelled floats must be completely decorated.
    • Floats to be skirted on both sides and back from the deck to the road.
    • All tires should be in good condition, have sufficient clearance from float materials, and allow for easy access, if needed.
    • Proper ventilation allowance is required for the vehicle’s exhaust and quiet portable generators, if applicable.
    • The float design and construction should consider all angles of spectator view and be equally appealing.
    • The height of the float shall not exceed 11 feet 6 inches.
    • Drivers must have a clear view of the front of the vehicle and be aware of spectators and any low-hanging wires/tree limbs. At least one accompanying spotter is recommended.
    • All passengers and props must be properly secured while the float is in motion. No riders will be allowed to ride along the edges or sides of the float.
    • FLOAT – CHECK-IN:
    • DATE: Parade Event Day
    • TIME: Starting at 3 PM. All floats must check in NO LATER THAN 4:30 PM
    • LOCATION: On Potomac Avenue at W. Magnolia Avenue (in front of Potomac Dental Center).
    • Refer to the POTOMAC AVENUE CHECK-IN section for additional information.
    • FLOAT – END OF PARADE:
    • By the direction of a Parade Official, after the judging area, all vehicle units will exit the parade route at East Howard Street to Rose Hill Avenue for disbandment.
    • DO NOT go to South Hagerstown High School, as it is reserved for other parade units, or South End Shopping Center.
    • Make prior arrangements to quickly and safely unload float riders in the Rose Hill Avenue area.
    • It is the entrant’s responsibility to arrange for the pickup of float riders and ensure that all minor participants are cared for by their parent/guardian/adult provider before leaving the area.

        VEHICLE RULES:

        • For Fire Truck/EMS vehicles, see FIRE TRUCK / EMS UNIT RULES.
        • Vehicle rules also apply to automobiles that provide sound equipment for Walking Groups.
        • Car club vehicles are limited to 5 per club and may be approved entry on a “first-come, first-serve” basis.
        • No antique/classic vehicle newer than 1995 will be allowed to enter the antique vehicle division.
        • Drivers must have a clear view of the front of the vehicle.
        • Vehicle entries are strongly encouraged to decorate in a Halloween spirit or theme.
        • VEHICLE – CHECK-IN:
        • DAY: Parade Event Date
        • TIME: Starting at 3 PM. All vehicles must check in NO LATER THAN 4:30 PM
        • LOCATION: All vehicles except antique vehicles, report to Potomac Avenue at W. Magnolia Avenue (in front of Potomac Dental Center), unless otherwise instructed by a Parade Official. Antique vehicle parade entries will report to Charles Street.
        • Refer to the POTOMAC AVENUE CHECK-IN section for additional instructions.
        • VEHICLE – END OF PARADE:
        • By the direction of a Parade Official after passing the judging area, all vehicle units will exit the parade route at East Howard Street to Rose Hill Avenue for disbandment.

          FIRE TRUCK / EMS UNIT RULES:

          • Fire Companies and EMS Units are limited to one (1) unit per organization.
          • FIRE TRUCK / EMS UNIT – CHECK-IN:
          • DATE: Parade Event Day
          • TIME: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM ET
          • LOCATION: Hamilton Blvd from Northern Avenue
          • Parade order is determined by arrival time.
          • FIRE TRUCK / EMS UNIT – END OF PARADE:
          • All motorized units will leave the parade route at East Howard Street to Rose Hill Avenue.

          WALKING GROUP RULES:

          • A Walking Group (previously known as an Organized Body) may register in multiple judging categories. When applying, make correct selections of judging categories.
          • Musical units are required to be in uniform attire.
          • Cheer groups are permitted to use pom-poms/other cheer equipment, or they may choose to use their hands.
          • Dance groups must use music either by broadcast vehicle or by use of instruments and may include the use of canes, hats or other items but typically not poms or batons.
          • Entries requiring vehicles to carry sound systems MUST be indicated on the application and follow VEHICLE RULES.
          • WALKING GROUP – CHECK-IN:
          • DATE: Parade Event Day
          • TIME: Staggered beginning at 5:00 PM (specific report times will be distributed prior to parade day)
          • LOCATION: Oak Hill Avenue
          • Refer to the OAK HILL AVENUE CHECK-IN section for additional instructions.
          • All marching unit transportation MUST park at South Hagerstown High School.
          • WALKING GROUP – END OF PARADE:
          • LOCATION: West 1st Street, which is one block North of Wilson Blvd
          • Entry MUST contact their transportation AFTER going through the judging area to coordinate pickup on West1st Street.
          • Ensure that all minor participants are cared for by their parent/guardian/adult provider before leaving the area.

          POTOMAC AVENUE CHECK-IN:

          (For parade entries with motorized vehicles (i.e., floats, vehicles, walking groups with a vehicle for music).

          • A Potomac Avenue staging/assembly number will be assigned to your parade entry and will ONLY be handed out when the vehicle or float is present at check-in.
          • This number must be CLEARLY DISPLAYED on the windshield until a Parade Official removes it near the parade’s starting point. (This is NOT the parade line-up number.)
          • Parade entry will be staged along Potomac Avenue and may NOT be placed in numerical order upon arrival.
          • Keep your parade entry in the same location where the Parade Official places it until instructed to move.
          • Entries will be shuffled multiple times during the alignment process prior to reaching the starting point.
          • Drivers must remain near the entry so it is ready to move when requested.

          OAK HILL AVENUE CHECK-IN:

          (For parade entries without motorized vehicles (i.e., bands, walking groups without a vehicle for music).

          • Buses will be permitted to unload groups on Oak Hill Avenue, off Northern Avenue. This is the only designated area where buses will be allowed to unload.
          • The check-in trailer will be located at the corner of Oak Hill Avenue and Irvin Avenue.
          • Buses will exit following the direction of an Alsatia Parade Official and park at South Hagerstown High School.
          • Equipment vehicles do not need to check in. They are not allowed to be in the parade and will park at South Hagerstown High School.

          WINNERS / PRIZE LIST:

          • Winners will be announced following the parade in local newspapers, on radio stations, through social media, and on the parade website.
          • Facebook People’s Choice will determine Mummer winners.
          • Commercial entries MUST be of professional quality and judged at the judge’s discretion to be eligible for prizes.
          • ALL judging criteria and applicable rules and regulations MUST be met to be considered for prize money.
          • NEW!! 2025 PRIZE LIST:
          Prize Category Subcategory 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
          Band High School $1,500 $1,000 $500
          Middle School $1,000 $750 $500
          Jr/Sr School $1,000 $750 $500
          Float School $1,500 $1,000 $500
          Amateur $1,500 $1,000 $500
          Commercial $2,000 $1,250 $750
          Mummer $500 $250 $125 $75 $50
          Walking Group $500 $250 $125 $75 $50

          JUDGING GROUPS / CRITERIA:

          • Majorette Groups in the parade will be judged but may not be included in the competition.
          • All judging occurs near Bester Elementary School, and decisions are final.
          • NO performance stops are permitted within the judging area.
          • Non-Commercial Entry Adjudication Scales:
          Category Band Cheer – Dance – Pom Color  Guard  – Drill Festive Dance – Special Dress – Walking Group Float (School & Non-School) Majorette
          Audience Appeal 5
          Equipment Analysis 25
          General Effect 30 25

           

          15
          Individual Movement 25
          Marching Technique / Movement / Maneuvering 30 40 40
          Musical Performance 40
          Originality 10 15

          Overall

          Show / Effects

          		 25 15
          Repertoire 40
          Showmanship & Presentation 20 20
          Twirling 40
          TOTAL POINTS 100 100 100 30 30 100

          ** Mummers are judged by Peoples’ Choice via Facebook

          Have QUESTIONS or Want to GET INVOLVED?

          Contact us at 301-739-2044 or parade@alsatiaclubinc.com if you have any questions, are interested in volunteering (as block captain, entry line-up/staging & assembly, parade marshal, seating assistant), or would like to learn more about becoming a member of the Alsatia Club.