ELIZABETHTOWN — Lollipops may be getting their last lick in Elizabethtown parades.
At Monday’s meeting, Elizabethtown Town Council members reviewed revised guidelines that would, among other things, disallow the throwing of anything — including candy — during parades in the town limits, an effort prompted by the Elizabethtown Police Department.
“Last year, there was a guy handing out money from his car, and there were children flocking to the car. They were all over it as it was moving down the street,” Police Chief Tony Parrish explained.
At the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in January this year, what started out as a crowd standing at the back of cars parked along Broad Street, by the end were forcing parade participants down one narrow side of the road.
“Even adults will run right up to vehicles, and children run right up under there, and the person driving doesn’t even see them,” said Planning Technician Billie Hall, who oversaw the rewriting of parade guidelines. “Everything that we’re changing is for the purpose of providing greater safety for the public.”
Among the changes are the following:
— The definition of “parade” is changed to include a procession of vehicles.
— Advance time for special use permits for parades changes from two days to 10 days.
— It will be unlawful to delay or obstruct the parade or its participants.
— The parade route, including starting and ending points, must be defined.
— Beginning and ending times must be set forth.
— The approximate number of participants, animals, and vehicles — including type — will be included on the application.
— Obscene literature, music, or behavior, or attire unsuitable for a family audience is disallowed.
— Participants found to be under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to take part in the parade.
— Throwing materials will be prohibited along the parade route. With prior approval, entrants may distribute material by hand.
— Motorcycle drivers must hold motorcycle endorsement on their license.
— ATV, moped, motorcycle, and go-kart drivers must wear safety helmets compliant with federal standards.
Hall told the Council the changes are in keeping with the guidelines of similar-sized municipalities and have been reviewed by the town attorney. A public hearing is scheduled for May, after which time the Council will vote on the amendment.
Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.