Under Mankato City Ordinance, it is required to have a parade permit anytime a roadway or sidewalk is used for organized activities. There is a $50 fee for the permit. The first step in organizing a parade is to contact staff in the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8735. Staff will assist with the application process and parade planning. All parade arrangements will be made on a first-come, first-served basis for the date and time of any parade.

Anyone has the capability to organize a parade, march, or walk in the city of Mankato by meeting certain safety guidelines.

• The city ordinance requires the permit application be received 14 days in advance of the parade's date. In the event this is not possible, two predetermined parade routes are available which can be approved with less than 14 days notice.
   
• Parade organizers should to meet with staff in the Mankato Department of Public Safety to review and gain approval of the desired parade route.
   
• If police assistance is requested or required due to safety concerns, parade organizers are required to pay for the service. Please contact the Mankato Department of Public Safety for the current rate for off-duty officers.
   
• In the event a parade permit is denied, an appeal process exists through city of Mankato ordinance Section 6.11. The appeal must be filed with the Mayor of Mankato within one business day following the receipt of denial for the parade permit.
   
• The city of Mankato has developed a method by which citizens can organize a parade route. Two predetermined routes have been arranged to give citizens or organizations the type of visibility desired, but yet ensure safety guidelines.

The permit will be issued if safety guidelines for the parade are met. To assist in meeting those guidelines, the city of Mankato has equipment available that would be needed for a parade. Other factors which may contribute to costs associated with a parade are dependent upon:

• Whether the parade routes uses sidewalks or streets.
   
• The number of volunteers available to assist with traffic and pedestrian safety.
   
• Whether the parade is held during night or day hours.

Police officers may be required to assist with the parade depending upon the above qualifications. The police officer’s time would be paid on the per hour basis by the parade organizers.