Friday, June 7, 2002
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Friday, June 7, 2002 |
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Safety is Number One Concern for July Fourth Parade The Recreation Department is implementing several new regulations governing this year's Fourth of July parade, emphasizing parade safety for both participants and spectators. Floats and large vehicles will be required to have side rails at least 36" high all around the area where participants are riding and have hand holds for all standing participants. In addition, city staff strongly urges that participants have "spotters" (people on both sides of these large vehicles or floats) to move with the entry to help keep the crowd out of the vehicle's path. The parade line-up will be determined by size, the largest being at the beginning of the parade, medium size entries in the middle and the smallest will be at the rear. Larger entrants will help hold the crowd to the farthest sides of the roadway. "If the smaller entries go first, the crowd could advance into the road and stay there," says Susan Taylor, event coordinator. "This would make it difficult for the larger trucks and floats to get along the parade route easily, without the danger of running over someone." In accordance with City Council guidance, the Recreation Department is requesting that all people participating in the parade be aware of the danger of throwing candy or any other give-away into the street. This encourages spectators to run into the street to retrieve such items. Participants should "soft-toss" such items to the back of the crowd. Taylor said, "All of these new rules and regulations are intended to make this year's parade a safe one, so it can be enjoyed by all, participant and spectator alike."
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