LINE UP and ENTRY instructions for the 2023

For a full list of 2023 parade rules (PDF)

All units must be unique and tastefully decorated and conform to the entry description provided on your application. No exceptions!!!!!!!!!!!

Alert: Height Restriction

Due to the electrical lines for our Cincinnati Streetcar, no unit may be taller than 14 feet, at its highest point.

Alert: Tracks in the Street

For any participants who are marching, riding bicycles or other vehicles will narrow treads, please be aware of the streetcar tracks that are on much of the parade route.

Weather - Unless the game is canceled, the parade goes on, rain or shine.

Information Booth

The information booth will be next to the east entrance (Race Street entrance) to Findlay Market.

Need any other details, contact us at info@findlaymarketparade.com or call us at 513-500-7554

Findlay Market Opening Day Parade

There are only a few points where vehicles may enter the parade area, PLEASE be sure to go in the CORRECT entry point based on your number in the parade. Special instructions for Horse and Marching Band entries are listed below. Also see attachment (Parade Rules and Regulations.pdf and General Parade Information.pdf) at the bottom of this page for rules.

Marshalling Area

This year’s parade lines up and stages on Race, Elm, Findlay, Elder, Green, and Henry Streets. Please refer to Line up map for your units’ location. When entering the staging area, refer to Line up position for the proper point of entry into the staging area for your unit. Parade Marshals will be stationed at all staging area entrances. Please follow their instructions. The streets in the staging area will be closed to non-parade traffic at 9:00 a.m. Please arrive early to avoid a last minute rush.

Line up instructions coming in Early March

Link to: Line up map

Link to: Line up position

Units 1 through 60 must be in place and prepared to march by 11:00 A.M.

Units 61 through 120 must be in place and prepared to march by 11:30 A.M. 

Units 121 to the end of the Parade must be in place and prepared to march by 12:00 Noon.

Any support vehicle not participating in the parade, including horse trailers should be unloaded and removed from the line up area by 11:30 A.M.

All units must be unique and tastefully decorated and conform to the entry description provided on your application.   No exceptions!!!!!!!!!!!

Parade marshals have the authority to remove any unit that does not comply

Absolutely no hand-outs during the parade

There is a Cincinnati City Ordinance that prohibits the distribution of materials from participants in a parade. This includes free samples and campaign literature. In addition, a distribution during the parade slows down the pace of the parade.  Persons or entries that are observed violating this rule are subject to removal from the parade by any Parade Marshal or police officer. (Police officers may also cite a violator to court.)  Please feel free to pass out materials around Findlay Market and in the staging area prior to the start of the parade.  But if you are observed violating this rule after your unit has begun to move along the parade route, YOU MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE PARADE, and not invited back.

No Stopping to Perform During the Parade

Any performance during the parade must be at parade marching speed.  There can be no stopping to perform, or to unload or pick up performers.  There should be no stopping unless necessary.
Please keep moving.  We must stage the parade in a time frame that allows spectators to get to the opening day game.  In addition, the Police require streets to be opened to allow fans to get to the game.  
Parade marshals have the authority to remove any entry from the parade that is unwilling or unable to maintain a good marching pace.  It is extremely important to keep gaps from forming in the parade.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

LINE UP and ENTRY instructions for the 2023 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade

There are only a few points where vehicles may enter the parade area, PLEASE be sure to go in the CORRECT entry point based on your number in the parade. These instructions DO NOT APPLY to Horse Units or Marching Bands, see below for special instructions for Horses and for Marching Bands.

2023 Parade Rules and Information (PDF)