Apply for event permits
Many local governments begin accepting special event permits on January 2 of each year.
Be sure you are in line when the doors open in your local government office on that day or you may not receive a permit for your event.
Races, parades, picnics, street fairs, concerts, and other events seek choice locations and they often eye the same spots you desire.
The City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District publish detailed permit application guidelines. Indianapolis IN and Cleveland OH direct event organizers to the proper departments. If you don't know how to apply for a local government permit, contact your local city or village hall to get started. You'll need a permit from each unit of government whose territory you'll traverse - municipality, park district, forest preserve, school district, etc.
Don't assume you'll be granted a permit just because you've held the event in the past. You will still need to meet permit requirements and you run the risk of losing your spot to someone whose application is submitted earlier than yours.