By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
With a raucous affair now in the rear view mirror, some major changes are coming to Decatur’s annual Callithumpian Parade.
Carrying through on a vow he made a year ago, Mayor Dan Rickord announced the changes at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
Starting at 6:57 p.m. next Monday, the parade which began in 1914 will – as always – travel west on Monroe St., then turn south at Second St.
This year, the streets will be lined with orange cones two feet off the sidewalk. Children and all other parade attendees will be expected to stay behind the cones.
In addition, all candy must be dropped behind the cones.
Volunteers will walk the streets, Mayor Rickord said, making sure everyone stays behind the cones.
Rickord said the changes are being made after consultation with the police and fire departments, hospital and school officials.
“We are doing our best to keep along the street safe,” he said after announcing the changes.
Approximately 30 volunteers will be needed to walk the downtown streets and keep everyone behind the cones. Anyone wishing to help out should call City Hall, 724-7171.
CHANGES VOWED: Last year’s parade was a wild, and dangerous, affair.
Police Chief Kevin Gerber labeled it a “mind boggling” night and the mayor adamantly vowed that “changes will be made.”
Numerous youngsters – and some teens and adults – were crowding toward the middle of the street in numerous locations while the parade was going on. All were in the pursuit of candy!
The mayor said there were reports of numerous close calls (children nearly being hit by parade vehicles) and he received many complaints from parade participants about children coming far off the sidewalk and curbs.
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