The message below is from the South Jersey greyhound group.

This made me wonder if Collingswood charges groups to
participate in their parade and what the charge is for
non profit groups and other groups as well.

I didn't realize there were charges associated with
parades. Is that part of the reason the shelter dogs
marched with us this year ?

WRZ


Message: 10
Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2005 15:40:57 EST
From: mercibar1@...
Subject: St. Patrick's Day Parade ;>(

Sadly, Greyhounds won't be walking in the parade this year for the
first time in many years. Greyhound Friends used to do it, then we
did it for maybe 5 or 6 years (?) - some of you may remember last
year when the new committee refused to recognize our NP status &
insisted that we pay $150 to walk.

They have the same stand for church groups, youth groups, service
organizations, etc - when I questioned if the fee went to charity, I
was told it was for "parade expenses" such as hiring Mummers & other
bands for the parade. Excuse me, I thought this was a local parade
for local people!

Their alternative idea was to buy paper badges for each dog at $10
each! After I wrote a scathing editorial to the AC Press, we were
contacted by the Brigantine Elks & asked that we join them in the
parade, which we did. And we had a ball strutting up the
Boardwalk! ,,,,,,,,,,
Well, this year, we didn't even get an invitation, & when
I inquired, I was told they would required the $150 fee!
The parade is Sat, March 12th, not enough time to go to the newspaper
again. I don't want to impose on the Elks club again & jeopardize
their place in the line of
march,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

So, we won't be braving the rain or wind or blowing sand, as
in other years - maybe it'll be a nice enough Saturday for
Smithville! Let's all hope! I know a reporter for the Press & will
contact him on this matter,,,,,