FORT MITCHELL — Saying too many people have been injured in the cross-fire, Fort Mitchell has banned using squirt guns and water balloons at its annual Fourth of July parade.

        “Last year, some people got overzealous and threw frozen water balloons,” said Fort Mitchell City Administrator Bill Goetz. “There was some minor bruising, so we've notified this year's participants that we're not allowing any water apparatus at all.”

        The water fights started about five years ago when firefighters in the parade pumped water into the air. By the next year, the crowd came armed with its own water weapons and was shooting back.

IF YOU GO

• What: “Salute To Our Uniformed Personnel,” Fort Mitchell's Fourth of July parade.   • When: 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Parade forms at 11 a.m. at Diocesan Catholic Children's Home on Orphanage Road. The parade proceeds north on Dixie Highway, then west on Beechwood Road, ending at Beechwood School.   • Information: Call Recreation Director Kim Stoll at (859) 331-1212, Ext. 222.

        “It started off with squirt guns, then it went to Super Soakers, then it progressed to people on both sides with garden hoses who soaked (parade participants) as they went by,” Chief Hensley said.

        Still other spectators came prepared with “coolers full of water balloons,” that they lobbed at parade participants, Fort Mitchell Council Member Kathy Groob said.

        One casualty of last year's Independence Day water fights was the police chief's wife, who suffered a bruised shoulder while passing out candy along the parade route.

        “Not only was she hit with a water balloon, but it was a water balloon that was frozen,” Chief Hensley said. “That's like being hit with a rock.”

        Other victims have included a clarinet player who was hit in the mouth, Ms. Groob said.

        A Fort Mitchell council member and his family also were lobbed with water balloons as they rode by in a convertible. And a tuba player had a frozen water balloon lodged in his instrument.

        Anyone who disobeys the ban on squirt guns and Super Soakers could be found in violation of a city law that prohibits interfering with a parade or its participants.

        People throwing frozen water balloons also could face charges of disorderly conduct or assault, subjecting them to fines and jail time, said Fort Mitchell Police Chief Steve Hensley.

        While police hope to avoid any arrests, Fort Mitchell officials say that plainclothes deputies will be on the lookout for any parade participants or spectators who squirt or spray water, or anyone who lobs water balloons.

        As they did last year, city officials also are encouraging parade participants who throw candy to toss it behind the curb to keep spectators from dashing in front of floats.

        “We want people to have fun and enjoy themselves, but safety has to come first,” Chief Hensley said. “It probably started out as good fun, then it got a little out of hand,” said Fred Bassett, superintendent of Beechwood Independent Schools.

Billy Graham Mission headlines
Record crowd returns Graham's love
Real test begins: Putting words into action
Total attendance tops 200,000
Local donors pledge to cover expenses
Excerpts from Graham's sermon
Football star asks crowd to join winning team
Mission brought people together
Mission goers share their reflections
No alcohol, no problems for police
Other local news headlines
Airport fails security test
7 wounded in block party shooting spree
Ohio opening new budget era
Summer studies keep skills sharp
How parents can help summer learning
BRONSON: Crime moves in next door
Casino records release 'coming'
Four ridin' the rivers to New Orleans
Good News: Miami grads win video awards
Local Digest
New skate park in demand
Officers aim to fight disrepect
Agencies to expand programs
Clermont MRDD passes inspection
Man dies in Florence Speedway crash
Squirt guns banned from Fourth parade
Approval of money for school building criticized
Kentucky Digest
Man knocked out of canoe drowns
Religious orders may get abuse policies
UK defends ex-president's worth as fund-raiser