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SALT LAKE CITY — Days of '47 organizers said they won't allow candy or other items to be thrown to spectators during the annual Pioneer Day parade, even if the Salt Lake City Council votes to allow the action.
"I don't want you or I to suffer the heartbreak of a child getting run over," Kathi Izatt, a member of the parade committee, told the council during a public hearing Tuesday night.
"It's a safety issue," added Jodene Smith, co-chairwoman of the parade. "As far as the floats go, there's very limited visibility for those drivers. When you have young children coming out for those trinkets and candies, it's very difficult (for drivers to see them.)"
Councilman Luke Garrott has proposed changing city code to allow candy and other items to be distributed during parades.
Garrott also asked that spectators be allowed to begin reserving places along the route at 6 p.m. the night before the parade. Currently, spots can't be saved before 8 p.m.
Days of '47 organizers said they have no problem with changing the time when spectators are allowed to begin saving spots.
City officials said several cities allow parade entrants to throw candy to children, including those held in Riverton, Tooele and West Valley City.
The City Council is expected to vote on the proposed changes next month.
