This is the 2nd year for “Franklin on the Fourths” “Patriotic Pet Parade” for four-legged friends and their owners. Contestants (owners and their pets) are encouraged to show up in patriotic clothes and costumes to walk/parade the 6-block route through historic downtown Franklin, TN. Unmotorized floats (decorated wagons, strollers, & bicycles) are also allowed.
The parade will begin at the corner of East Main Street and 2nd Avenue. It will stroll up East Main, where it will go through the square turning right, going three-quarters of the way around the square, then going down 3rd Avenue South to the end of the street, where the parade ends. Participants can then go through the back of the City Hall parking lot, down the alley, and back to the start/cars. The entire parade consists of a leisurely stroll of about a mile that takes about 20 minutes. The judges will select winners in each category prior to and during the parade. They will make their final selection of the category winners immediately after the parade at the stage on the square. (See below for the different categories)
The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4th, 2024, at the corner of 2nd Avenue and East Main Street in historic downtown Franklin,
Parade participants should report no later than 10:00 a.m. on the day of the parade to the parking lot at the corner of 2nd Avenue and East Main Street. There will be parking in the parking lot in the 2nd Avenue garage next door. All participants must register & sign the “rules and waiver” form by submitting the online application below or at the registration desk on the day of the event. Registration and check in begin at 9:00 a.m. at the booth at the beginning of the parade. Contestants will be given a number at the registration tent. If you register online, your name will be at the registration table.
RULES
· A “float” can be elaborate or as simple as a decorated bicycle, wagon, or kiddie car.
· Only non-motorized floats are eligible; each float must include at least one pet.
· No political entries are permitted.
· All types of pets are welcome. Children without pets are encouraged to bring stuffed animals.
· Groups are encouraged to identify themselves with a banner or sign.
· All dogs must have a current rabies vaccination.
· All participants must sign the rules & waiver form.
· Each dog must have a handler capable of controlling her/his pet.
· Leashes are required and may not exceed 6 feet in length.
· Female dogs in any state of heat may not participate.
· Dogs or people whose behavior is unruly or may prove harmful to participants, other dogs, or spectators will be asked to leave.
· Participants must clean up after their pets.
PLEASE SUBMIT THE REGISTRATION FORM BELOW
I understand that my attendance in the “Franklin on the Fourth, Patriotic Pet Parade” is not without risk to myself, my pet, other family members or viewers, and other parade participants (human or animal “pet”). These include, without limitation, risks of physical injury, mental injury, emotional distress, trauma, death, contact with other participants and their pets, and property damage. All risks are known and appreciated by me. I waive any and all specific notice of the existence of the risks. I shall assume responsibility for and pay my and my pet’s medical and emergency expenses in the event of injury, illness, or other incapacity regardless of whether I authorized such expenses. I agree that I, as owner of the above pet(s), am solely responsible for the pet(s) behavior and physical control and agree to carefully monitor and control it at all times. By reading, and sending in this application, I hereby waive and release the “City of Franklin”, “Franklin Lions Club”, TN Events, it’s sponsors, and/or owners of any or all premises on which this event is held, and/or its employees, agents and volunteers of said organization, from any and all damages, losses, fines, claims, suits, expenses (including attorney fees and defense costs), judgments and/or liabilities of any form or nature resulting from any act or omission of any pet or pet owner participating in the parade. This release of liability includes, but is not limited to any injury, death, sickness or personal injury or property damage my pet or I may suffer while on or around the premises where the parade is held. This release also includes specifically, but without limitation, any and all forms of personal injury (including death) and property damage to myself, other persons, and other animals resulting from the act or omissions of any and all pets or pet owners and I expressly assume the risk of such damages or injuries and losses throughout the duration of the curriculum. I also agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Franklin Businesses and/or owners of all premises on which this parade is being held, and/or the employee’s agents, and volunteers of said owners from any and all claims, suits, losses, damages, expenses (including attorney fees and defense costs) judgments, fines, penalties and/or liabilities, due to any and all forms of personal injury (including death) and property damage which my pet or I may cause, or be alleged to have caused, to any person, animal, or property while on or around the premises where the parade is carried out, or in connection with the instruction provided by parade organizers, their employees, agents and/or sponsors. The “Patriotic Pet Parade” is for domestic pets. Pets must be able to motivate their own power. All pets will be leashed or carried. Owners will be required to clean up after their pets. Awards will be determined by the judges’ final decision.
I hereby state that I fully understand and agree to the above terms and conditions in consideration for the “Patriotic Pet Parade.”
Pet with the most creative/festive red, white & blue outfit.
Pet that shows the most enthusiasm & energy during the parade.
Best matched costume between owner and pet.
Best dressed small pet. (Under 15 pounds)
Best dressed medium size pet. (15 - 50 pounds)
Best dressed large pet (Over 50 pounds)
Best dressed senior pet (Over seven years)
Everyone is invited to bring you favorite pet! NO ENTRY FEE