Parades/Races & Special Events

Parades & Races

A Parade/Race is a run, walk, bike event, or march on public streets in Shaker Heights. These events typically involve temporary road closures over extended roadways throughout the City. It is requested that no marketing or promotion of parades/races occur before City approval. Parade/Race Applications can be completed online here and must be submitted at least six (6) months in advance. Any questions can be directed to Alexis Abraham via email. 

Parade/Race Deposit Fee Categories

Each Parade Permit application shall be accompanied by the payment of the fee as outlined in the application under Event Components. Said fee partially reimburses the City for its administrative costs, including set-up, inspections, and assignment of safety personnel for traffic control. The City may waive fees in particular circumstances when the public interest would be furthered thereby. Payment will be calculated post-parade/race, and checks can be made payable to the City of Shaker Heights, or you can pay via credit card.

Parade/Race Reminders

Application

• Parade/Race applications shall be submitted to the Recreation Department at least six (6) months before the Event.
• Weekend races, marches, and parades are limited to two (2) per month.

Certificate of Insurance (COI)

• Each permit application must include proof of liability insurance, naming the City of Shaker Heights as an additional insured, with limits of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) per person and three million dollars ($3,000,000) per occurrence. 
• The City may modify this requirement to meet the risk of the particular event.

Route

• The City will require event organizers of all 10k and 5k races to choose a Predetermined Race Route. These routes will also have a designated 1-mile route for youth races and fun runs. Additional details are available in the Parade/Race Application. 

Volunteers

• All races, walks, and marches are required to have a certain amount of volunteers (depends on route selection) who will be stationed to support intersection closure, event set up, event clean up, and runner safety. The Police Department will assign at least two or more officers to assist with parade/race safety. 
• Department of Transportation approved Safety vests will be provided by the City for all race volunteers for identification purposes.
• Race volunteer training will be required for all event volunteers. This training will include expectations from race volunteers and safety protocols. Training will be provided immediately before the start of the race by the Police Officer-In-Charge. 

Preference will be given to those organizations conducting races/parades within the previous two years. The Community Events Coordinator will follow up regarding your fee, COI, and your volunteers after your application has been received and reviewed. 

Special Events

A "Special Event" is an activity other than a parade that takes place in the dedicated public right-of-way, on any public property, including, but not limited to, parks and other City-owned facilities, or a public event on private property when City services are required. Past special events have included festivals, markets, street fairs, art exhibits, concerts or other live performances, and informational events.

Applications for permission to conduct a Special Event in Shaker Heights can be completed online here. Any questions can be directed to Alexis Abraham via email. It is requested that no marketing or promotion of special events occur prior to City approval. 

Notice Regarding Construction in Horseshoe Park

• Horseshoe Park will be under construction for the Doan Brook Restoration project for an extended period. As a result, certain Park facilities and access points may be temporarily unavailable or altered. Park users may encounter the presence of construction equipment or materials, and closed or limited-access roads, paths, and/or parking areas, and may experience construction-related noise and dust. 
• Due to the construction and potential changes to Park access, the City of Shaker Heights reserves the right to cancel or modify issued permits for the large pavilion at Horseshoe Park at any time, should circumstances arise that affect Park safety and/or accessibility. You will be notified of any changes or cancellations as soon as possible.
• The City of Shaker Heights is not liable for any inconvenience or damages arising from the cancellation or modification of issued permits, or for any adverse conditions that may exist during the period of your permit or any other activities at the Park. Should a permit be modified or cancelled, we will attempt to accommodate your group on a different day/time. However, we recommend that you have backup plans in place in case of any unforeseen changes to your reservation.