Homecoming Parade

2025 FVSU Homecoming Parade 

Saturday, October 4

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY 2025 HOMECOMING PARADE ENTRY GUIDELINES

Parade Entry Deadline: 5 PM, Friday, September 26, 2025

All parade entrants are asked to observe the following guidelines, and supply information where requested to assist the Homecoming Parade Committee in proper planning of the event. Incomplete applications will not be registered.

• All parade participants must comply with current traffic laws and regulations. For everyone’s safety, we ask all motorized vehicles to refrain from excessive acceleration, wheelies, burnouts, etc.
• Drivers of all units must have a valid driver’s license and insurance and all doors to vehicles must remain closed during the parade. All passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.
• Absolutely no alcoholic beverages or consumption of alcohol is permitted in the parade. Any participant judged to be in possession of or under the influence of alcohol, or any other substance, shall be asked to leave and subject to removal if not done.
• To avoid excessive gaps in the parade route Walking Units will not be allowed to stop and perform along the parade route—only bands and select Walking Units can perform at the President’s Viewing Stand (two-minute limit).
• Motorcycles/slingshots/mini cars—No high revving of engines. burnouts, wheelies, or tandem riding-allowed—staggered straight-line travel only.
• Under no circumstances are children allowed to ride outside of vehicles.
• Candy, prizes, novelty items or any other items may not be thrown from the float but may be distributed by associated walkers upon approval by parade coordinators.
• No loud or profane music allowed during the parade. All dance teams must refrain from lewd and suggestive routines.
• The parade begins promptly at 9 AM. To facilitate a smooth parade route transition, all units must be in place by 8:30 AM. After 8:30 AM, your spot in the parade will be forfeited and you may not be allowed to participate in the parade.
• We reserve the right to deny an individual/organization’s entry into the parade. SAFETY IS OUR #1 CONCERN!
• All vehicles must have an identifiable sign of their organization on BOTH sides of the vehicle. You have the option to purchase magnetic signs upon registering for the parade. The deadline for ordering signs is Friday, September 26, 2025. The cost is $50 for two signs – marching groups with vehicles may use a banner in lieu of signs. (Must provide your own magnetic signs after September 26th).
• Only paid and registered participants will be allowed to participate on parade day.
• Individuals/organizations that do not cooperate with these rules/regulations and/or parade officials will be removed from the parade lineup and may not be allowed to participate in future FVSU activities.

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY FLOAT COMPETITION INFORMATION

Line-Up: Starting at 7:30 AM, Saturday, October 4, 2025
Fort Valley Festival Park, 310 Martin Luther King Jr Dr., Fort Valley, Georgia 31030

Route: Parade begins promptly at 9 AM on E. Main Street, travels on to S. Camellia Blvd.
and on to State University Drive and ends at the entrance of the FVSU campus.

To qualify as a float for competition purposes, an entry must be skirted, and all objects on it must be completely decorated in sheeting or its equivalent. All floats will be inspected for safety by the FVSU Risk Management, Safety and Transportation Officer prior to the start of the parade--unsafe floats will be denied entry into the parade so please ensure the structure of your float is secure and sturdy! (All standing personnel must have something to hold on to.)

Floats will be judged based on the following criteria for a total of 100 points:

Originality - 50 points
Adherence to FVSU colors/culture – 30 points
General Appearance - 20 points

Floats will be judged and prizes awarded as follows:
On-Campus Floats
1st place - $500
2nd Place - $300

Off-Campus Floats
1st Place - $500
2nd Place - $300

To clear State University Drive curbs, floats should be limited to 11 feet (width) and a minimum of 8 inches (height).
Winners will be announced during the homecoming game and notified by email.