Parade officials don't want candy thrown from moving vehicles
7:13 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2007
It's one of the biggest draws of any parade. But it can also be one of the biggest safety concerns of parade organizers: Little kids heading into the streets to scoop up all that candy.
"We call it the shark feeding frenzy," says Corporal Jeff Whisler.
He has been in charge of safety for many of the downtown parades, including the Mexican Fiesta, Christmas and St. Patrick's Day parades for the past seven years. He says he's seen some scary situations involving kids running for candy.
"Over the years, we've seen kids trying to crawl through moving vehicles to retrieve a single piece of candy," he says.
He has seen many of these children do this at the encouragement of their parents.
What You Need to Know
Full details of this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade, including rules and regulations, parade route, where to eat and drink, and where to find relief are available right here.
"Here's where one of the problems of the crowds, where the staging area," Pat Finan points out.
He has been the chairman of the St. Patricks Day Parade for the past four years. He says he's had his own near miss with kids going after candy.
"There was a kid that ran in front of my vehicle and I had to slam the brakes and came within inches of hitting him," says Finan.
During the Fiesta and Christmas parades, organizers asked people riding on floats and in vehicles not to throw candy. This year, Finan says if you don't adhere to this rule, you could get thrown out. He says that kids get out into the streets, but in reality police have to push them back to the sidewalk.
Finan says there are some spots where crowds get pretty intense. One is at the staging area at Sixth and Harrison.
"This will be all jampacked with people," he says.
The other is along Kansas Avenue where the parade is coming and going at the same time. But in addition to safety, Finan says it's all about having a good time.
"Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day," he adds.
Those walking in the parade can still hand out candy. Police say they will continue to encourage spectators to stay back away from the parade route.
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