You can tell that summer is quickly approaching. Farmers are busy planting their crops, swimming pools are gearing up to open and parade season is here.
You have to love small-town parades in the summertime. I want to discuss some safety tips so that you can enjoy watching a parade or even being a participant in one.
What better place to start than by sharing some tips from the Veterans of Foreign Wars as a past post commander of George Dokken Post 2118 in Brookings, I have participated in several parades over the years.
Parade safety tips
Plan ahead
Each community in the area holds small events honoring its past. Event organizers start planning for next year’s parade as soon as this years parade is finished.
Consider the physical fitness of your members
How long is the parade route? Is the route mostly flat or is there elevation to factor in? What will the weather be like?
Check your vehicles
If you are using vehicles, make sure they are in good condition, have properly functioning brakes, and a full gas tank. Often, a farm trailer will be used in parades. Check the tires and make sure they will hold air. Not all trailers are safe to be pulled at highway speeds. I am not talking about during a parade, but before, when you are preparing for the parade. Your vehicle should also have a set of tools. Select the tools that you need by your past experiences. A good roll of duct tape is also handy in case something needs to be secured, and bungee cords can fix most things that flap in the wind.
Select your drivers
Require all drivers to have a valid drivers license and prohibit cellphone use while driving. Drivers have a crucial responsibility to prioritize pedestrian safety during parades. Here are some tips for drivers to follow:
- Remain vigilant and patient while driving near parade routes. Expect delays and be prepared for changes in traffic patterns. Avoid aggressive driving behavior that may endanger pedestrians.
- Pay close attention to traffic instructions given by volunteers and law enforcement officers. Observe posted signs and be considerate of pedestrians crossing the street.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired driving puts both pedestrians and drivers at risk.
- Safety should be the main topic when it comes to driving. You want to drive slowly and keep a safe distance from the group that you are following. There should be no tailgating in a parade.
- Also, it is not just youngsters that you have to worry about. People will walk right in front of you at the most unexpected time. In the military, they taught me to always anticipate what could happen and drive accordingly.
Follow any parade-specific requirements
When you enter a parade, ensure you have a list of the organizations guidelines. Occasionally, there is a ban on throwing anything into the crowd, such as beads or candy. I know when I started driving in parades, I once committed the sin of not throwing out candy in a community parade.
Living in Brookings, I knew there was a restriction on throwing anything out of a vehicle. Little did I know that that did not apply in the other Brookings County communities, and I got some awful looks when I passed by some youngsters and waved instead of giving them treats. I learned my lesson and now I buy big bags of Tootsie Rolls when doing a parade.
It does help to follow the guidelines to ensure you can participate in future parades.
Bring a first aid kit, fire extinguisher
Its always a good idea to have a first aid kit handy, as well as someone trained in first aid. A vehicle should also have a fire extinguisher in it; you never know when you might need one.
Create clear signage, let them know who you are
Ensure your participation is easily recognized with specific signage. I use parades to let people know that my veterans group is still around, so it is important to have a banner or sign and let them know who you are or representing. I see a lot of high school reunion floats, and it is always good to see what they have become after so many years.
Be careful near floats
Make sure that if you are pulling a trailer with people on it, they have a secure seat. You do not want to go around a curve and lose half of your parade participants. They tend to get upset for some reason.
If you are walking the parade route, stay a good distance away from any vehicles and floats.
Attempt to stay out of the blind spot of drivers
During the parade, you will often see children slowly getting closer to the floats and groups. As a former youngster, I can tell you that their main goal is to get as much candy as they can. If you are tossing candy, please toss it far enough so that they do not have to come close to the float to get it.
Stay hydrated
Even if the weather is mild, encourage participants to drink plenty of fluids, especially if they are walking the route. Please keep the alcohol away from any parade; the time to consume that is after the parade, when the equipment is put away.
Stock extra water bottles in vehicles or set up a water cooler.
Dress for the weather
In high temperatures, wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Also, apply sunscreen and bring more to reapply if the route is long.
Hopefully, this years parade season will be a good one. I hope to see you at a couple of them. I will be in my Dragon Lady 1 jeep pulling a trailer. Holler at me and I will toss you a Tootsie Roll.
As always, keep an eye on the sky and be safe when outdoors.
Bob the EM
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