By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
“Last night showed that we can all have a safe, enjoyable time when everyone works together,” Mayor Dan Rickord said Tuesday after the annual Callithumpian Parade was held for the first time under some rules.
This year’s iteration of a strictly-Decatur event that’s been around since 1914 drew what was one of the largest crowds ever, given a huge boost by ideal weather.
The temperature hovered in the upper-60s when the parade, which last an hour and 17 minutes, made its way through the downtown streets.
Last year’s parade was acknowledged as a “chaotic” event, so the mayor said soon after that changes would be made for reasons of safety.
Orange and blue traffic cones lined both sides of the parade route Monday, spaced some 20 feet apart and placed two feet off the curb.
Parade-goers were instructed to stay behind the cones and those passing out candy were told to get it inside the cones.
A group of volunteers walked the streets, helping monitor the safety measures and offering assistance if requested.
“The parade went really well,” Mayor Rickord said the next day. “The safety measures that were put in place by the city, police, fire, EMS, Adams Health, and North Adams Community Schools helped reduce the risk of accidents and allowed families to enjoy the parade with greater peace of mind.”
The idea of using cones worked as anticipated.
“The cones provided a clear boundary between the children and the passing vehicles and floats, while the volunteers staged along the parade route helped maintain safety and ensure that children stayed in the designated areas,” Rickord said.
The mayor extended appreciation to the large crowd for their observance of and adherence to the new rules.
“I want to thank everyone involved, including the volunteers, the committee involved in the planning, and the adults and children who attended the parade for making the safety of our children a top priority,” he said.
“We have an amazing community. Last night showed that we can all have a safe, enjoyable time when everyone works together.”
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