This is HELLA long, but its all the info on the parade lineup FOR THE MARCHERS.
If you have an approved Ecto (we were limited on slots so it was done first come first served) that info is coming soon.
As always parade ribbons for the Ghostbusters will be given out at the staging entry point during staging.
STAGING ON PARADE MORNING, SATURDAY, 9/5
STAGING LOCATION: Parking lot of the North Avenue Presbyterian Church at
the intersection of Peachtree Street NE and North Avenue. The address is
607 Peachtree Street NE.
This location is approximately ½ mile (8 blocks) North of the Hyatt
Regency’s front door. The North Avenue MARTA station within 1.5 blocks of
the church.
We have arranged a shuttle service loop to Staging. Pick up every 15
minutes at , starting at AM and continuing until the last shuttle departs
at AM.
TIME: Staging (line-up) 8:00 AM until 9:45 AM
IF YOU ARE DRIVING A VEHICLE IN THE PARADE: Be there NO LATER THAN 9:00
AM.
Parade team members will assist you in positioning/parking your
car/truck/van/float/bus for integration into the parade once we roll.
Motorcycles, bicycles, scooters and other like vehicles will be staged
with the rider in the marcher’s parade unit.
If you are driving an over sized vehicle or towing a float or trailer, we
would greatly appreciate it if you got to staging as early as possible.
A separate post will be made with more vehicle staging details.
IF YOU ARE WALKING IN THE PARADE: Be there NO LATER THAN 9:45 AM. Parade team members will direct you to the location of your parade unit.
There is one staging entry point for all participants on Peachtree Street,
the gate of the parking lot. Wristbands and badges must be visible when
you enter.
The attached "2015 Participant Staging Map FINAL" will point you to the
approximate location your section will be lining up in the staging area.
When looking at the map, keep in mind the staging area is on two (2)
levels this year: the “Street Level Parking Lot” (where everyone enters)
and the “Lower Level Garage.”
Once in the staging area, please follow the directions of the Parade team.
One of us will tell you where you should stand (where your assigned parade
section is being staged) if marching or where to park your parade vehicle
(drivers, please stay with your vehicle). Dragon Con Security and the
Atlanta PD are also on the ground to assist.
It's noisy and often hard to hear what's being said while we're staging
and then moving the parade out. We sometime yell telling you to "move!" or
something similar. Please be assured we aren't yelling because we're rude
or cranky or angry...it's just so you can hear us, especially when there’s
a sense of urgency and something needs to happen quickly. We love,
appreciate and value the safety of you all, honest!
Once your parade section has been called, any vehicles assigned to your
section will be integrated into your section as we launch.
********************
THE PARADE
START TIME: 10:00 AM
The route is approximately 9/10ths mile long. There is a slight incline
on Peachtree Street. There is one downhill on Andrew Young
International Blvd. The parade ends at the Marriott Marquis on Peachtree
Center Avenue.
At the end of the parade route, marchers will be directed into the
Marriott via the front driveway and vehicles will be directed to continue
on Peachtree Center Avenue.
Do NOT stop in the block in front of the Marriott, please. Parade vehicles
can proceed to the next block where they can temporarily park to offload
or tear down, if needed. If you do not need to change anything on your
vehicles, please continue on Peachtree Center and follow the directions of
the APD as they move you out of the area.
Bottled water will be provided in the staging area and at the end of the
parade route. If you grab a bottle of water during staging, please do NOT
pick up another bottle at the end of the route. Please take only ONE
bottle of water to ensure all parade participants can have some water. If
possible, bring your own or have a supply waiting for you at the end of
the parade.
The parade is usually over - last person in the parade arrives at the
Marriott – between 11:30 & 11:45 AM. Depending on where your parade
section is in the line-up, you should get there between 10:30 and 11:30
AM.
Please do not designate the end of the parade area as a meet-up spot for
friends. It’s crowded and crazy and we’re trying to literally thousands
of parade participants through the area and off the street.
********************
Most important to remember:
You must be a member of Dragon Con to participate in the parade. Badges
and wristbands must be worn and visible on parade morning. (Some
exceptions may apply and have been approved prior to the convention.)
NO ADVERTISING AND/OR PROMOTION of commercial enterprises is permitted in
the parade without prior and express written approval from Dragon Con
Senior Management.
WEAPONS as part of your costume must be peace-bonded by Dragon Con
Security BEFORE the parade.
REMEMBER YOUR AUDIENCE - we represent everything that is wonderful about
Dragon Con. The crowds that watch and enjoy the parade are filled with
children waiting for a glimpse of their favorite characters and heroes. We
are the very public face of Dragon Con. Please don’t do or say anything
that reflects poorly on yourself or the convention.
We are a POLITICS-FREE ZONE. No campaigning or protesting or demonstrating
Dragon Con reserves the right to remove anyone and anything from the
parade, at any time and without prior notice, deemed offensive, dangerous
or otherwise inappropriate for the event.
HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!
Questions or concerns, contact me prior to the convention at
dc_parade@dragoncon.org.
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU for making this year’s very special once again - SEE
YOU AT CON!!!!
JP
smile emoticon
Director, Dragon Con Parade and the incredible volunteer team and who make
this happen: Heather, Chaz, Kris, Jennifer, Toni, Craige, Gary, Kelly, and
Annie