Parade Directive

PARADE DIRECTIVE


We are pleased to include you in the 49th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade, and look forward to your participation on Saturday, May 17, 2008.

Please note the following reminders and guidelines for this year’s Parade:

1. The starting time for the Parade is 1:30 p.m.

2. The parade route is Torrance Blvd., starting at Crenshaw Blvd. and ending at Madrona Ave.

3. This directive will assist you in arriving at the correct location at the appropriate time. Please pay particular attention to your arrival time.

4. This Parade has been structured as Prologue, Division I, Division II, and Division III.

5. Participation trophies will be given to all units involved in the parade upon check in at designated area. No awards will be distributed for performance.

6. No hydraulic equipped personal vehicle(s) will be allowed on the parade route

7. No items shall be thrown or given out along the parade route. This includes, but is not limited to; candy, flags, posters, etc.

8. The Event and Parade Directors will identify parade participants who do not follow the parade directives, and their participation in future events may be jeopardized.

9. Civilian Parade entrants will be limited to five (5) vehicles.


PARADE SCHEDULE

PARADE START TIME - 1330 HOURS
A. PROLOGUE - Arrive at Marshaling Area no later than 1200 hours
B. DIVISION I - Arrive at Marshaling Area no later than 1215 hours
C. DIVISION II - Arrive at Marshaling Area no later than 1230 hours
D. DIVISION III - Arrive at Marshaling Area no later than 1245 hours
ACCESS ROUTE TO MARSHALING AREAS*
In order to ensure maximum control and uninterrupted movement of vehicles along access routes to the Marshaling Area, please adhere to routes shown on the attached map. It is recommended that all units arrive via the 405 Freeway, using the Western Avenue exit; travel southbound Western Avenue to the following:


Prologue units are to take Western Ave. southbound to Del Amo Blvd, turn right to travel westbound to Van Ness Ave., turn left and travel southbound to Torrance Blvd., turn right and travel westbound to the Marshaling Area at Torrance Blvd east of Crenshaw Blvd.

Division I units are to take Western Ave. southbound to Del Amo Blvd, turn right to travel westbound to Van Ness Ave., turn left and travel southbound to Torrance Blvd., turn right and travel westbound to the Marshaling Area at Torrance Blvd and Amapola Ave.

Division II units are to take Western Ave. southbound to Del Amo Blvd, turn right to travel westbound to Van Ness Ave., turn left and travel southbound to Torrance Blvd., turn right and travel westbound to the Marshaling Area at Torrance Blvd and Arlington Ave.

Division III units are to take Western Ave. southbound to Del Amo Blvd, turn right to travel westbound to Van Ness Ave., turn left and travel southbound across Torrance Blvd., continue on Cabrillo to Cravens, turn right and travel to the Marshaling Area at Cravens Ave. and Engracia Ave.
*NOTE TO MILITARY PARTICIPANTS: THOSE ATTENDING THE BBQ AT EL PRADO PARK SHOULD REFER TO THE INFORMATION FLYER INCLUDED IN YOUR DIRECTIVE.

MARSHALING AREA and CHECK-IN
Upon reaching the appropriate marshaling location (each one is identified by an easy-up and corresponding sign) according to your assigned division, you or your unit’s representative will check-in with a police department representative at which time you will receive your line-of-march number identifier and your participation trophy. A Parade representative will assist you in proceeding to your assigned place in the parade line-of-march.

All transportation vehicles will then proceed to the Dispersal Parking Area on Maple Ave. north of Civic Center Dr. Bus drivers should contact a police officer stationed on Maple Ave. at Civic Center Dr. for direction to the bus parking area. All other vehicles will park in the designated (signed) lot at the northwest corner of Maple Ave. at Civic Center Dr. To reach the parking area, drive west on Carson St. to Hawthorne Blvd., turn right (north), then proceed to Del Amo Blvd., turn right (east). Continue eastbound on Del Amo through Madrona Ave., and follow the roadway as it curves southward and becomes Maple Ave. Continue on Maple Ave. to the parking area.

PROLOGUE: check-in location is Torrance Blvd. immediately east of Crenshaw Blvd.
DIVISION I: check-in location is Torrance Blvd. at Amapola Ave.
DIVISION II: check-in location is Torrance Blvd. at Arlington Ave.
DIVISION III: check-in location is Cravens Ave. at Engracia Ave.

Please note your Division check-in location as shown on the map. March formation and distances between units will be established at Crenshaw Blvd. Parade officials will be located in each Division Area and at the starting point to assist you. Please follow their instructions.

DISPERSAL AREA: MADRONA AT TORRANCE BLVD:
All entries are to turn in their line-of-march number identifier to uniformed personnel at this point. Vehicles that are Parade entries, except those returning to the Exhibit Area, will disperse north on Madrona Ave. Parade participants are invited to visit the Recreation Center for refreshments upon finishing the parade route. Civilian parade participants may park in the designated lot north of the northwest corner of Civic Center Dr. at Maple Ave, if so desired, by driving north on Madrona, making a right turn to eastbound Del Amo, following Del Amo as it curves southward and becomes Maple Ave., then south to the parking area.

Units or equipment returning to the Exhibit Area will be directed to turn left at the corner of Torrance Blvd. and Madrona Ave. and then be escorted back to their position at the static display area. Turn in your line-of-march identifier before returning to the exhibit area.

GRAND MARSHAL
The Grand Marshal will be located in the center of the Reviewing Stands. Salutes should be rendered in front of the Grand Marshal.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
A. Any person requiring medical aid should contact the nearest police officer or parade official for assistance.

B. Restroom facilities will be available at the Marshaling Area and various locations along the Parade Route.

C. We suggest that parade entry coordinators arrange for any refreshments they deem necessary for their participants at the marshaling area and during the parade. Water is especially important. We are providing refreshments for parade participants at the Recreation Center when they reach the dispersal area.


Should you require additional information about your participation in the 49th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade, please contact Tom Stark at 310-618-5568 or Brenda Felt at 310-618-5695.