With tens of thousands of people expected to camp out Monday night for prime Rose Parade spots, Pasadena police and fire officials issued a list of guidelines to keep parade-goers safe and within the law.
Among the rules and regulations governing parade goers are:
-- Overnight camping is permitted Monday night only.
-- A permanent spot on a sidewalk can be kept by standing vigil, starting at noon Monday. The traditional Rose Parade "blue line" along the street is the honor line. People and their belongings must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. Monday, when they can move to the honor line.
-- Small grills must be kept at least a foot off the ground are must be 25 feet from buildings and other combustible items. Those cooking along the parade route need to have a fire extinguisher and water on hand.
-- People younger than 18 are allowed along the parade route between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. only if with an adult.
-- Overnight campers should dress for the cold. Children and senior citizens should overdress, in layers, to guard against hypothermia.
-- Stay hydrated and eat regularly to avoid becoming dehydrated.
-- Report any suspicious activities or unattended packages to authorities along the parade route.
-- In case of emergency, call (626) 744-4241 from a cell phone, or 911 from a land line and be ready to give a location.
Things that are banned along the parade route include:
-- tents, sofas and boxes that an be used as stools or seats;
-- unoccupied chairs;
-- bonfires; and
-- fireworks, except as part of scheduled official events.
City and parade officials also noted that no people or groups can march in the parade unless they have been approved by the Tournament of Roses.
Items may not be sold along the parade route without a permit, and no public areas -- sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets -- can be cordoned or roped off. It is also illegal to buy, sell or give away horns on the parade route, and selling space along the route is illegal.
Pets are not recommended because they are easily frightened by sudden, loud noises.
Spectators also may not throw any projectiles into the parade, including seemingly harmless items such as tortillas, marshmallows or flowers.
Vehicles obstructing emergency lanes will be towed, and walking in the street is not permitted during the parade. Open containers of alcohol are illegal on public streets, sidewalks or other areas.
Because of large crowds, police will resolve any problems quickly and remove from the scene anyone who violates the law or disturbs the peace.
During the parade, it is typical for the Pasadena Fire Department to respond to more than twice the number of normal calls because of hypothermia, illegal burning, miscellaneous medical issues, assaults and alcohol-related matters.
- City News Service
