The Ultimate Homecoming Parade
Parade Guidelines and Procedures
The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Ultimate Homecoming Experience committee invites you to be a part of the 2024 Ultimate Homecoming Experience Parade on Saturday, October 26, 2024. There is a mandatory 2024 Ultimate Homecoming Experience Parade participant meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. An invitation will be sent to all registered participants with the meeting information. The parade registration closes Friday, October 11, 2024.
Parade Rules
- All participating organizations, organization members, and family members of organization members are required to comply with the directives of parade marshals and law enforcement officials. Failure to comply will result in the organization being removed from the parade immediately and banned from future Homecoming parades.
- Road closures begin at 6 a.m. Participants who arrive after 6 a.m. must approach the check-in location from the south on Fayetteville St. No vehicles will be permitted to cross through the assembly area on Fayetteville St. between E. Cornwallis Road and Timothy Ave.
- After dropping off participants at the parade start point, buses must immediately move to Concord Street between East Lawson Street and Formosa Ave. Parking permits will be given at the parade check-in.
- All participants must arrive for check-in by 8 a.m. The parade will begin promptly at 8:45 a.m.
- All participants must stay in the order as indicated by the parade officials.
- All participants must continuously move forward throughout the parade to ensure a consistent flow. All vehicles must be driven by a licensed driver.
- Individuals will not be allowed to ride on the hoods, trunks or roofs of any vehicle. Convertibles are recommended for greater visibility.
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There must be one adult for every four children under the age of 12.
- All motor vehicles must move in a safe manner and at a safe speed. Motorcycle groups are allowed to participate in the parade.
- No burnouts, tire spinning or unsafe driving will be permitted.
- All music used must be a radio edit and appropriate for a family environment.
- All horses must be equipped with diaper buckets and will be positioned at the end of the parade. Street sweepers are not a suitable alternative.
- Bands and dance units will only be allowed to “break down” for one minute at the designated areas (see map) prior to performing for one minute at the viewing stand.
- At the conclusion of the parade (Fayetteville Street and Brant Street), all parade participants will move to their designated locations to disband. This will officially end your participation in the parade.
General Application Process and Requirements
- The registration deadline is Friday, October 11, 2024.
- All applications will be reviewed by the Ultimate Homecoming Experience Parade Committee for final approval.
- Applicants will receive notification of application status on or before Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
- Final line position information will be issued at check-in on the day of the parade.
Cost:
- Registered Student Organization: $0.00
- NCCU Department: $55.00
- Marching Band: $0.00
- Community Group/Organization: $70.00
Marching Band Requirements
- Bands are responsible for financing their own transportation, accommodations and expenses related to participating in the NCCU Homecoming Parade.
- Bands are required to play as much as possible or as directed by the parade officials at designated breakdown locations.
Liability Waiver
- All participating organizations must complete a liability waiver form prior to completing the parade registration.
- After completing the liability waiver, the submitter will receive an email with a link to complete the registration process.
- Failure to complete the liability waiver prior to completing the parade registration will result in the cancellation of the organization’s registration.