Entry Categories:
Commercial Float
Private Float
Walking/Marching Organization, including bands
Civic Organizations (i.e. JROTC, Boy Scouts of America)
Float Specifications/Regulations:
ALL Participants must be registered with the Ocean Springs Carnival Association and pay appropriate fees by the deadline date in order to participate.
ALL Participants are required to send a representative, preferably the float operator/driver, to a Captains’ meeting, to be announced, in order to confirm registration/insurance documents and receive a safety/instructional briefing prior to the Parade date.
Each Participant is required to sign a statement that indemnifies and relieves the Oceans Springs Carnival Association of any liability or responsibility for property damages and/or injuries sustained by ANY person(s) while going to, leaving from or while participating in OSCA activities.
Each Float must provide satisfactory proof of liability insurance, for the Float and any ‘tender/towing’ vehicles at the time of registration.
Floats must not exceed 13 feet in vertical height.
Drivers are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages
All floats must be towed by DOT approved vehicles
Drivers are to remain alert for low hanging tree limbs and avoid damage to both their float and trees by evading low hanging limbs. Low hanging limbs, those that are close to the maximum vertical height limit, will be identified on the parade route map and reviewed during the drivers/captains meeting.
Floats must be equipped with a NFPA/USCG approved fire extinguisher.
Floats must be equipped with adequate toilet facilities and the discharge of any waste including ‘grey water’ is prohibited.
Floats must be equipped with adequate lighting, both for the safety of Krewe members and the enjoyment of spectators. "Dark" floats are not permitted.
Floats must include adequate interior lighting for the safety of Krewe members, exterior marker lights for the safety of leading and following floats and sufficient exterior lighting both for the enjoyment of spectators and the easy identification of floats.
Floats must be equipped with adequate handrails on all ‘open’ sides of the Float in order to prevent injury to Krewe members.
Float Operators, Drivers and Krewe members are responsible for the management of trash generated onboard their float. Trash may not be thrown from any float or vehicle during or along the parade route.
Decoration/Throw Regulations
ONLY commercially registered Floats may advertise.
All ‘private’ entry Floats are prohibited from displaying advertising images/logos or wording.
Political adverting/sponsorship MUST be approved by the OSCA committee in advance.
Throws must be free of any sharp edges or such a design as may cause injury.
Throws must be tasteful and may not be obscene or sexually suggestive in content.
OSCA doubloons may only be obtained and thrown by MOD members.
Customized Doubloons that promote any business activity or political campaign are prohibited for use without the prior consent of the OSCA committee.
Generic doubloons (i.e. Happy Mardi Gras, Crown) may be thrown from any float.
The use of doubloons from other 'Krewes' is prohibited.
Krewe Regulations
Music onboard Floats must be tasteful and free of obscenities.
The display of real or simulated nudity by Krewe members is prohibited.
Krewe members are prohibited from engaging in/displaying obscene or abusive statements, language or costumes.
Krewe members are required to practice moderation in the consumption of alcoholic beverages and spirits. Float operators/drivers are responsible for the safety and actions of their Krewe members.