Gary, IN Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 36-1(a) bars any parade, procession or open-air meeting on a Gary street, or on ground abutting a street, until the person in charge obtains a written permit from the chief of the police department that the mayor has approved. It is likewise unlawful for anyone to march, ride or otherwise take part in a parade, procession or open-air meeting, or to attend one, before that written permit issues. The organizer applies in writing to the chief of police and must state the route the parade or procession will follow, or the location of an open-air meeting, the purpose of the event, the time it starts and its probable duration, and the name of the person in charge or responsible for it.

Under § 36-1(b), the chief investigates the applicant and verifies the statements in the application about the event's purpose. If the event is not for an unlawful purpose and will not tend toward a breach of the peace, unnecessarily interfere with the public's use of the streets, or disturb the peace and quiet of residents, the chief must issue the permit without any fee or charge. The code cross-references state authority for the city to regulate parades and processions under IC 9-21-1-3(a)(3), and separately treats funeral processions under IC 9-21-13-1 and marching bands under IC 9-21-14-1.

Because the permit is free, the ordinance functions as a notice-and-review requirement rather than a revenue measure, giving the police department advance knowledge of the route and timing so officers can manage traffic and public safety along the way.