Dear Editor,

Oh the joys of a Christmas Parade, the beautiful lighted floats, the portrayal of the birth of Jesus, the marching band, Santa Claus, kids fighting over candy, small children almost being run over...Wait a minute there is definitely something wrong with this picture. I am writing this letter in hopes of raising concerns and making changes in how the parades are set up. First of all, let me say that I love the parades and always have, and in no way am I trying to put a stop to the actual parade. I recently attended the Annual Celebration of Lights Christmas Parade and I noticed a couple of issues that I feel need to be addressed. I have spoken with several other citizens who fully support my opinion. One of the main problems I have is the “throwing out” of candy. At other parades I do not feel that it is a good idea, but at a nighttime parade it is totally unacceptable and extremely dangerous. Small children are out in the street, in the dark, fighting over a few pieces of dime store candy. I wonder if this is covered by the city’s insurance, and what would actually happen if someone were to get hurt.

The second issue I have is that at this particular parade my husband, my son and myself were all standing on the sidewalk (where you are supposed to be) attempting to watch the parade; however we were not able to see the parade for all of the people who were out in the street. There were people up to the turning lane in front of us on both sides of the road. This was not because there was not enough room on the sidewalk, it was simply because of their quest to fill their candy bags, and may I add that these people were not just children but adults also.

At certain points throughout the parade the floats and trucks would literally have to stop because they were not able to pass through the throngs of people crowding the street. During the parade I actually called the Appling County Dispatch and asked the dispatcher to have an officer walk down the street and ask the spectators to back up. I appreciated her effort as three members of the rescue team walked down through the crowd and asked the people to move to the sidewalk. However, as soon as the rescue team walked through the people moved right back into place. Even the ACHS band had trouble marching through the crowds, they are trained and taught to march and stay in line, but when trying not to run people over this is impossible. There were even people out in the middle of the band that did not move and then were unable to get out of the band as they marched past. I know that it is impossible to barricade the spectators to the sidewalk, but I feel if it wasn’t for the candy, maybe the spectators would be more apt to stay on the sidewalk instead of out in the middle of the street.

I am simply asking that the candy be banned from the parades and that people respect both other spectators and the people in the parade. Celebrating the birth of Christ should be a jubilant experience for all, but it should also be safe and orderly. If we are risking lives and disregarding the authority of those in control for the sake of a few pieces of candy, then we have disregarded all that Christ has taught us. Let us celebrate safely and with respect for others. Remember— Jesus is the True Reason for the Season.

Sincerely,

Jeni Reynolds