Float Specifications/Regulations
1. All Participants are required to adhere to the rules herein and float registrants/Captains are responsible for the behavior of those aboard their floats.
a. Failure to adhere to the rules, regulations or instructions from OSCA
parade staff will result in immediate expulsion form the parade,
without refund.
2. Refunds for individual entries may only be received in the event that the inability to participate remains the responsibility of OSCA.
3. ALL Participants must be registered with the Ocean Springs Carnival
Association and pay appropriate fees by the deadline date in order to
participate.
a. 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.
b. Each Float must provide satisfactory proof of liability insurance, for the
Float and any ‘tender/towing’ vehicles at the time of registration.
4. FLOAT Regulations - GENERAL
a. Floats must not exceed 13 feet in vertical height.
b. Drivers are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages
c. All floats must be towed by DOT approved vehicles
d. Drivers are to remain alert for low hanging tree limbs and avoid damage
to both their float and trees by evading low hanging limbs.
(1) 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.
e. Floats must be equipped with a NFPA/USCG approved fire extinguisher.
f. Floats must be equipped with adequate toilet facilities and the
discharge of any waste including ‘grey water’ is prohibited.
g. Floats must be equipped with adequate lighting, both for the safety of
Krewe members and the enjoyment of spectators.
"Dark" floats (i.e. floats without marker lighting) are not
permitted.
h. 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.
i. Floats must be equipped with adequate handrails on all ‘open’ sides of the
Float in order to prevent injury to Krewe members.
j. 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.
k. ONLY commercially registered Floats may advertise.
(1) All ‘private’ entry Floats are prohibited from displaying advertising
images/logos or wording.
5. Throws and Decorations - GENERAL
a. Throws must be free of any sharp edges or such a design as may
cause injury.
b. Throws must be tasteful and may not be obscene or sexually suggestive
in content.
c. Customized Doubloons that promote any business activity are prohibited
for use without the prior consent of the OSCA committee.
(1) Generic doubloons (i.e. Happy Mardi Gras, Crown) may be thrown
from any float.
d. The use of doubloons from other 'Krewes' is prohibited.
6. Krewe Regulations - GENERAL
a. Music onboard Floats must be tasteful and free of obscenities.
b. The display of real or simulated nudity by Krewe members is prohibited.
c. Krewe members are prohibited from engaging in/displaying obscene
or abusive statements, language or costumes.
d. 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.
7. Political Advertising/Sponsorship - GENERAL
OCSA is not a political organization but is chartered solely for the purpose of
promoting traditional Mardi Gras celebrations.
The participation of any float containing political advertisting or sponsored by
a specific political candidate is not an endorsement by OCSA, but rather an
act of complaince by OSCA of certain court decisions regarding the
expression of free speech, as it regards political candidacies.
a. Political advertising/sponsorship is prohibited, without the prior approval of
the Board of Directors.
Certain court rulings make it necessary for OSCA to consider the
participation of floats containing political advertisting or that are sponsored
by a specific political candidate.
(1) Political Advertisting/sponsorship floats are required to pay
additional fees as established by the Board of Directors.
(2) Political Advertising/sponsorship floats will be allowed by the
Board of Directors only after any political opponents for any specified
race has been contacted directly by OSCA and provided an equal
opportunity to participate in the parade.
(a) It is not necessary that a political opponent participate in order
gain Board of Directors aproval, only that they are provided an
equal opportunity to participate
(b) Floats containing political advertisitng or those sponsored by a
specific candidate, must at the time of the application provide valid
contact information for any opposing candidates or recognized legal
entities representing an opposing position.
(1) OCSA will use this information to contact opposing parties and
make them aware of the applicant's intention to particpate
providing the 'notice' of such and providing an equal opportunity
of participation subject to the same criteria.
(2) In the event that an applicant fails to provide such information
or provides invalid, false or distorted opponent contact
information at the time of their initial application, the
application will be summarily rejected.