Editorial Opinion By Cindy Cotte Griffiths: Less Candy At The Parade
May 31, 2010 18:16 - 10 Comments
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When my Cub Scout Pack 928 received our notification for participating in the 2010 Memorial Day Parade, the instructions told us we were not permitted to distribute candy along the parade route. Only the Rockville Mayor and Council were permitted to give away candy. We couldn’t believe it. I’ve been in the parade for seven years and attended quite a few before marching. The candy is such a tradition.
We all wondered why we were no longer allowed to give the kids candy. I’ve never seen any explanation so I’m hoping someone can enlighten me. In my opinion, either everyone should be allowed to distribute the treats or no one should be allowed.
Today children and adults, were yelling “candy” and motioning with their hands. I tried to yell that we weren’t allowed to give them candy only the Mayor and Council could, but I don’t think they could hear or understand as I went past driving the pickup with our camping float.
Earlier in the weekend as I walked around Hometown Holidays, people mentioned they would be at the parade and, of course, the kids were looking forward to all the candy. I told a few families there wouldn’t be as much. Some planned on bringing extra treats so the kids wouldn’t be disappointed.
I’ve been told that a couple of groups didn’t follow the new rule and a few politicians other than the Mayor and Council threw candy.
Did you miss the candy tradition or not? What do you think about the new policy?
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I have mixed thoughts on this. I definately would like to hear the mayor’s reasoning before passing judgment.
hi Cindy! I was in the parade today but didn’t see you. I don’t want to sound like Scrooge but I have never thrown candy in parades. I know that many other politicians do. I am concerned about little children running in front of moving vehicles to get the candy. Addressing childhood nutrition and fitness issues has also been a priority of mine as Chairman of the County Council’s Health and Human Services Committee and while I know that one lollipop is not going to ruin a child’s life, it has always seemed a bit “off message” for me to throw candy.
Hi, I’m the City of Rockville Special Events Manager. The no throwing candy rule has been included in the rules for the parade units for over 10 years.
Regardless of the rule’s history, enforcement, or nutritional wisdom, I would like to see those who throw candy make more careful selections. Some were tossing lollipops (with sticks!) at those along the sidewalk. It seemed like a dangerous choice of sweet & could have injured someone!
if the no candy rule has been in effect for 10 years, why were the mayor and council throwing candy?
Wow, if throwing candy is the only complaint about the parade, it must have been awesome. If you could have just turned down the global warming, I would have enjoyed it better.
Thank you for all of your comments. I appreciate Colleen explaining. I honestly don’t know how so many people could have missed this parade rule for all these years.I agree with George that there is a danger with kids running into the street and also candy is not a healthy choice. (However, I believe in special treats on special occasions or life would be pretty dull.)Even though I don’t know the exact reasoning for the rule, I still think the policy should be all or nothing. Elected officials shouldn’t be allowed to throw candy if no one else is permitted to do so. If the rule is going to continue, it should be enforced and consistent. Many people still don’t know it’s a rule.
Since my kids have food sensitivities, I wouldn’t have minded no candy at all. Saves the tears when I cut them off after the one pack of Smarties that’s already too much for them.
But I would also wonder why the Mayor and Council would be allowed to throw candy then.
There should be a “no candy throwing” rule for all parade participants. Good reasons are stated. The City Council should not be treated different from the rest of the parade participants.When I participated in the 2005 Rockville Parade, I was told my supporters were not allowed to wear T-shirts with a political message like “MULLICAN for MAYOR.” However, there were county council candidates who had their teams walk with political shirts. I brought this to our City Manager’s attention. There is no consequence to not following the rule nor did I see anyone addressing the issue when I brought it to the attention of the parade officials. There always seem to be people who think they are above the rules or laws. That is unfortunate. The city officials only give out the rules and don’t enforce them. It is much easier for them to ignore the issue.
What instructions about throwing candy did the Rockville Mayor and Council receive?