For many youngsters, the mad scramble for candy tossed from parade floats is as much of a holiday tradition as family cookouts and fireworks displays. But the practice of throwing candy to parade-goers is gradually being dropped by a number of Tristate communities.

Curtis Lynn throws candy from a float in the 1998 Norwood Day parade. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        Parade organizers say too many children — and sometimes adults — are darting in front of floats in pursuit of Tootsie Rolls and bubble gum.

        “The kids see the candy as a treasure and they'll run straight into the street for it,” said Fort Mitchell Police Chief Steve Hensley. “It's like they have tunnel vision when they enter the street. They don't pay any attention to the massive floats coming down Dixie Highway.”

        In Fort Mitchell, which boasts one of the Tristate's largest Independence Day parades, a city council member recently suggested the city ban candy tossing, in favor of passing it out behind the curb.

        “This year, we're going to try to stress to parade participants that they should throw candy in back of the curb,” said City Administrator Bill Goetz. “If that doesn't work, we may ask that they pass the candy out behind the curb.”

        A number of other Tristate communities already prohibit tossing candy.

        In Cincinnati, parade participants in vehicles cannot throw anything to spectators. Participants are prohibited from giving out any items or committing any act that would encourage spectators to move into the parade route during a parade.

        Organizers of parades in Sharonville, Montgomery, Independence, Fort Thomas, Florence, Dayton and Bellevue have policies against throwing candy into the street, or they encourage participants to pass out souvenirs behind the curb.

        However, officials acknowledge it's often a losing battle.

        “It's almost impossible to police something like this,” said Florence Mayor Diane Whalen, whose city has Florence Y'All and Memorial Day parades. “You can't follow all the floats. We try to impress on people that throwing candy can cause problems and to use common sense.”

        In New Orleans, where thousands of Mardi Gras revelers scramble for beads thrown from floats, the city protects parade spectators through enhanced security, barricades, and public service announcements that remind spectators that it's illegal to run in front of, or behind floats to scoop up beads.

        Not everyone agrees that candy throwing should be banned at parades.

        “As a citizen, I don't think candy being tossed from a parade float puts children in grave danger,” said Martin Schickel, who owns the Loveland Bike and Skate Rental.

        “I think that is taking safety too far, and I think it's uncalled for. Parents and guardians should be able to watch their children and ensure their safety.”

        Terry Flynn contributed to this report.

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