Santa Question

Evelyn, I have a question. Do any of the businesses in town sponsor the parade or the floats? If they do, might they not have an opinion about its safety and continued success? Do we know the reason behind the request? You would think that the parade route would have been established months ago in the early planning stages. Before a final decision is made shouldn't we know what and why these concerns have come to the forefront at this late date?

I ask because it has been many years since I have been to one. I am not a parade kind of girl, although I did take the kids when they were little. They don't need me to tag along anymore if they want to go. Although, there may be some poetic justice in having me along so they can listen to my complaints about my aching back, cold feet and need to pee. Yeah, a little pay back, that might be fun.

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The Police enforce street closures.No-one else has the authority. They are the foremost agency consulted about proposed closures. They are most likely to have commented on safety and made recommendations.

The staff memo indicated they had been made aware of the safety issue.

We do not have authority over the police. The requested closure would take its time going through the process. They would likely refer to any reports on last year's closure to determine their position on this year's proposal.

Town staff probably sent out the request for amendment as soon as they were aware it was necessary.

Many business participate in the Parade sponsoring floats etc. Vic Priestly is a big contributor with his various rigs.

Shelley Ware is the town's special events co-ordinator. Shelley brings groups who want to participate in the parade together with people like Vic who make equipmenr and vehicles available

It's a community event and all for the best of reasons.

One year we had Santa Under the Stars and that was beautiful. I'm not sure if the stores were open or closed. But most years it has been in the late afternoon when little kids can catch the magic or the magic can catch them.

If merchants objected ,staff could no doubt create as magical an event in an indoor facility.

It's a joyful thing to have to do.