Skowhegan, ME Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

The Parades and Processions Ordinance was adopted at Town Meeting on March 8, 1999 and amended June 10, 2019. Section III(A) bars any person, corporation, partnership or other entity from holding, sponsoring or organizing a parade or procession, including a march, ceremony, exhibition, pageant, walk or foot race, upon any public way or in or upon any municipally owned parks, fields, or lands without first obtaining permission from the Board of Selectmen or their designated agent. Section III(B) exempts funeral processions, town or school sponsored events under the immediate direction and supervision of the proper authorities, and parades or processions by the United States armed forces.

Section IV sends applicants to the Town Clerk, on a form provided by the Town, with the fee paid on filing. Non-profit charitable organizations are exempt from the filing fee upon approval of the Town Clerk, Town Manager or their designee. The Town's user fee schedule effective January 1, 2025 lists the Parades & Processions Permit at $30.00. The application must be filed no less than seven days before the next scheduled Board of Selectmen meeting and must list ten items, among them the chairperson responsible for conduct, the date, the starting point, route and termination point, the approximate number of persons, animals and vehicles, the time of day, and whether the event will occupy all or part of the width of a public way.

Section V requires approval when the Board or its agent finds the event will not substantially interfere with the safe and orderly movement of other traffic on public ways and will not interfere with police and fire protection of, or rescue service to, Skowhegan residents. Section VI allows approval by the designated agent, after consulting the Selectmen, when there is a reasonable need for expedition. Section VII requires the Town Manager to notify the applicant of a denial within seven days after the application is received, and the Board must give written reasons. Section VIII gives an appeal to superior court. Section IX lets the Board approve a different date, time or route, which the applicant accepts by written notice to the Town Clerk within seven days. Section X requires insurance of not less than $300,000 naming the Town as additional insured, though the Board can waive it for good cause.