Who’s at fault? Many of us read the lengthy thread online about a business owner that was tagged with a $175 fine for throwing candy from a float in Rhinelander’s Fourth of July parade. And they weren’t alone. There were a ton of comments and even reaction from the police chief and an attorney offering to fight the citations. Many were highly critical of the city. A few tried to find middle ground. Very few. The post has since been taken down, or at least I couldn’t find it.
Here’s the thing…rules are rules.
The city’s had an ordinance prohibiting throwing candy from a vehicle/float/whatever during parades for some time. The reason? To no surprise, it’s safety! During my TV days years ago, I was taking video from the top of a fire truck down Brown Street as the Zor Funsters and their little motorized thingys were zipping around. Unfortunately the station has since tossed much of my video but I captured a little girl being knocked down by one of those vehicles after racing into the road to grab some candy. Luckily she wasn’t hurt but the point is, these kids don’t bother looking and are fearless charging out into the street in front of who knows what.
This year, officials strictly enforced the rules. In fact, each participant, if they were going to distribute candy, had to sign a, “Parade Distribution Request Form” so they were aware of the policy. Officers reportedly even issued warnings along the route to those not following proper procedures. Hence, the citations.
Is it the job of the police officers to handle the problem? No. Then, whose job is it? Well, let’s see…how about PARENTS? DUH! Do your jobs, mom and dad! This is supposed to be a happy time, but can become a disaster in an instant. Maybe those citations should go both ways.
The city is now looking at ways to make things safer and I may be wrong here but, I don’t know what good a chalk line is going to do. Maybe the first float should be a big sign saying to watch your kids! Another common sense issue that has to have time wasted in discussion. In the words of CSNY, “Teach Your Children.”
MM