TAMPA BAY SCREAMS COSTUME POLICY

We are glad you're coming in costume to Tampa Bay Screams! We're thrilled to have you join us for a weekend of frights and fun. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, please adhere to the following costume policy:

1. Appropriateness:

• Costumes should be in line with a horror, sci-fi, sword & sorcery or pop culture theme, but must not be overly explicit, offensive, or inappropriate for a public event.  This includes costumes considered offensive to religions.
• Avoid costumes that are excessively gory, explicit, or could potentially traumatize or disturb other attendees, especially children.

2. No Real Weapons:

• For the safety of all attendees, prop weapons must be visibly fake and made of non-hazardous materials (e.g., foam, plastic).
• Real weapons, sharp objects, and firearms are strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: knives, swords, firearms, and any item that could cause harm.

3. No Functional Projectile Props:

• Projectile props (e.g., airsoft guns, pellet guns) must be deactivated and rendered non-functional.
• Any props capable of firing projectiles are strictly prohibited.

4. Visibility and Mobility:

• Ensure that your costume allows for clear vision and unimpeded mobility. Avoid costumes that obstruct your line of sight or hinder your ability to move safely through crowded areas.

5. No Offensive or Inappropriate Content:

• Costumes that depict hate speech, racial or cultural stereotypes, or offensive symbols are strictly prohibited.

6. Respect Personal Space:

• Be mindful of other attendees' personal space. Bulky or unwieldy costumes should not impede on others' enjoyment or safety.

7. No Nudity or Excessive Revealing:

• All costumes must provide sufficient coverage to comply with public decency laws. Excessively revealing or nude costumes are not allowed.

8. Sensitivity to Phobias and Triggers:

• Avoid costumes that could potentially trigger phobias or intense fears in others (e.g., realistic spiders, clowns, etc.).

9. No Fire or Open Flames:

• Fire-related props, open flames, candles, or any other pyrotechnic elements are strictly prohibited.

10. Be Mindful of Children:

• Remember that horror conventions are attended by people of all ages. Ensure your costume is appropriate for a family-friendly environment.

11. Security Checkpoint:

• There will security professionals to ensure compliance with this costume policy. Any non-compliant costumes or props will need to be removed or modified.

Failure to comply with this costume policy may result in being asked to modify or remove your costume, or you may be asked to leave the event, as much as we'd love to have you. Event staff and security have the final authority on all costume-related matters.

Thank you for your cooperation, and enjoy the Horror Convention!

Email us at: andyl@tampabayscreams.com for any costume-related questions.

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