In a series of releases, the Kane County Events Team have instituted a new set of rules and routes for the parades they coordinate. Per Event Coordinator Camberly Anderson, “This was not a decision we made lightly, this wasn’t just a quick decision … The combined efforts, suggestions and dialogue between the events team, law enforcement, EMS and [the school board] all played a collective part in what makes the parade safe so we never have that headline that parade events always dread.”
Per the events team, the parade route has been extended and made one way to allow the crowd to spread out and reduce children in the direct line of traffic, as well as the new rules regarding candy distribution. Per a public statement by Anderson, “There is a public events meeting coming up on Monday, April 22, at 6 p.m., to have feedback and open dialogue about parades and events in Kane County in general. Of course, safety is number one but also parking, locations, traffic flow/congestion, some new things being added into events and some things we are saying goodbye to. All are welcome!”
“Also, I’m available at the office of tourism for anyone that would like to have a conversation, as are my other team members. Change is hard and these five additional rules to the already existing rules were not taken lightly. We want to worry about keeping events safe while everyone else enjoys them! EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement were part of the conversation to help our ever-growing events, especially parades - man it gets packed - safe for everyone.”
Parade rules are the same with the following added: #6 [no throwing candy from atop a float,] #7 [flyers and handouts of a political or religious nature must be approved one week prior,] #10 [All vehicles in the parade must meet a operating condition standards and be lined up ready to navigate the entire parade route], #12 [The parade runs only in one direction, so floats should be visible on both sides], #13 [following the designate start and stop points, with all passengers in place at start] and #14 [driving down the center of the street] which is not new, just adjusted for one way.
“We want to still provide an opportunity for water fights between fire engines, dancers can still dance as they have the last few years in motion and candy can still be given out. We are also implementing a funding program for people to help fund building of floats, applications are at the office of tourism. That’s new and we are excited for it.”
“Also we are implementing laid out judging guidelines for entries. So those that put in effort are rewarded for their sweat time and possibly tears. We had feedback to extend the parade route and so we did. Adding an additional block starting at E 200 S. Giving more room to spread out and hopefully eliminating some congestion.”
“There are a lot of changes, and we hope they’re not hard to get on board with. We hope you can see the positive efforts put in by all including volunteers.”
The newly formatted rules are available from the events team, and a copy was provided to the Southern Utah News for sharing as well.
