Monika - Our town started handing out candy a couple of years ago, not because of the safety issue of kids being run over, but because someone complained about being hit in the head by a Jolly Rancher! LOL

So...no more throwing! It's still a lot of fun, though to see the children's faces light up with anticipation of seeing Santa.

Monika, our town has the same rule due to safety issues.  We walked along and handed out candy to children.  Parades are so much fun!

Monika, It is hard to forget that little boy loosing his life last year. Much wiser to have the children safe than to preserve a tradition and the thing the kids care about is getting some candy at the parade. I'm sure they don't care if they must chase after it or have it handed to them so caution is the best solution.

Hi Moni,

Oh my, that's frightening but an excellent tip to pass on to your area. 

Monika, what a tragic story!   I guess the holidays will never have the same meaning for that family.  Smart move on the collaborators' part.  Safety first.

Hi Monika - our Holiday Parade here in Portsmouth is this coming weekend.  They debated whether to continue with that tradition or not, and with his family urging that it continue, it will go on.  His falling didn't have anything to do with candy, however. 

Safety should always come first!
Ann

Monika, I wonder if that is why the Gaslight Parade participants couldn't throw out candy from the cars last Friday night? That makes sense now! Thanks! I was real curious as to why! Our Home For The Holidays parade is coming up, I'll be anxious to see what the rules are for that!

Lysa...I bet that was why...those flying pieces of candy can hurt for sure.

Ann...Yes, that little boy was killed due to a railing on a float I think? Candy can cause safety issues over all with kids running and jumping into the street trying to get at it.

I'm glad Portsmouth is still having the parade. I can't imagine them having canceled it. It was such a tragic accident. 

Maggie...Safety first so everyone can enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.

Lisa...Thanks hopefully this year we'll avoid all tragic parade accidents! 

Judy...Handing it out will help. I remember being hit by candy being thrown and it hurts.  

Diane...Looks like your parade organizers are taking precautions. 

Linda...trust me it can hurt!! 

We used to have candy throwing in our Worthington Memorial Day Parade but they stopped it because of safety.  People did get hit with it but the scary thing was the kids running out among the cars, bikes, motorcycles and floats.

Maureen...I've seen some scary things over the years happen during the parade as well. Not throwing candy is one good thing in my opinion but I bet it will be hard to change years worth of throwing habits...wonder how they'll police it?

I think we stopped doing candy all together because it could not be controlled. We used to walk in the parade and buy a ton of red and white starburst mints (company colors red and white.) I think we only walked in one or two after they stopped the candy.. you felt like you did not have a purpose... wearing a company shirt, taking turns holding a banner.  We have a caliope so it was neat to have that in the Worthington Parade.

Interest in the parade waned in the office ... now I watch the parade with friends, one lives right on High Street.

Monika, safety is important, but it is sad to see old traditions end.  I hope that your parades are able to stay as exciting as they have been in the past.

I know what you mean Maureen...I remember digging into the candy bag and throwing the candy...trying to get the candy way into the crowds to please All the shouting kids...it was fun.

George...I hope your right as the candy was a big draw. :) 

Monika, that is so sad about the child, we arent' suppose to throw candy either and all the people know that sign up to walk or have a float. But, some throw it on the ground.