Why The Local Parade Committee Is Requesting Candy Be Handed Out, Not Thrown 

Parades are a cherished part of local culture, and tradition for our spectators. For generations, children and families have eagerly gathered along our parade routes, hoping to catch a sweet treat or goodies from a float. However, in recent years, growing safety concerns have prompted the Chamber of Commerce, City of Snyder, and Scurry County to take a step back and carefully look at how candy is distributed during these events to ensure that the up most safety is maintained for everyone involved.  

This is not a decision made lightly or quickly. This new approach is the result of multiple after-event briefings and planning meetings conducted throughout the past year. Committee members from several agencies and organizations have come together to address growing problems and identify common-sense solutions. 

Unfortunately, the joyful tradition of candy-throwing has led to multiple incidents involving injuries. Spectators, especially children, often dart into the street to grab candy, placing themselves directly in harm’s way. In other cases, individuals have been hit by thrown objects or distracted by flying items near moving vehicles. These situations have created both safety hazards and legal liabilities for parade organizers and sponsoring entities. 

Locally, this is not just a hypothetical concern. In the last 24 months, there have been numerous incidents right here in Snyder where parade spectators were hurt due to candy being thrown. In some cases, law enforcement was contacted to respond to these safety issues. These issues did not stem from one float; there were several floats in different parades. This pattern highlights the urgent need to take proactive measures to protect our community during parades. 

Additionally, float operators are reporting increasing difficulties navigating parade routes due to large numbers of spectators crowding into the roadway, often trying to grab thrown candy. This creates a serious safety hazard for both the spectators and parade participants. Drivers of floats and vehicles are having a harder time stopping safely, maneuvering through tight turns, and maintaining a consistent pace—factors that can quickly escalate into dangerous situations in a crowded environment. 

Another major concern is the growing amount of trash left behind after each parade. Wrappers, broken candy, and discarded bags litter the sidewalks and streets—causing a major ant problem that residents in and near the park have reported to the Scurry County Parks Department along with sanitation issues. Cleanup crews are spending a significant number of man-hours collecting debris after each parade, costing the city/ county time, money, and resources that could be used elsewhere. 

As a result, our local committee along with local public safety entities are advocating for a safer, more responsible approach: requiring walkers to hand out candy along the routes instead of throwing it from moving floats or vehicles. 

Let us be clear: we are not asking floats to stop handing out candy entirely. We’re simply asking that candy be handed out by walkers rather than thrown from moving vehicles. 

This method: 

• Reduces the temptation for children to run into the street,
• Keeps drivers focused on safety and maneuvering,
• Cuts down on thrown and broken items, and
• Reduces littering and cleanup burdens.

We also understand walking a parade route can be tiring. That’s why walkers are welcome to take breaks—sit on their float whenever needed and rejoin when they’re ready. This is meant to be a solution that works for everyone, not a burden. 

 The Reasoning Behind the Change: 

1. Public Safety Comes First
   Preventing injuries to spectators—especially children—is the top priority. Handing out candy directly ensures that spectators remain on sidewalks or behind barriers, reducing the risk of them stepping into the path of vehicles.

2. Liability and Legal Considerations
   Public entities involved in hosting or sponsoring parades are increasingly concerned about liability. The Chamber of Commerce, City of Snyder, Scurry County could be held responsible if someone is injured during a parade, particularly if safety recommendations are ignored. Many municipal risk management guidelines now specifically prohibit the throwing of items, including candy, from any moving vehicles.
   
   
3. Float Safety and Traffic Flow
   With more spectators crowding near floats to retrieve candy, drivers are finding it difficult to stop safely or maneuver the route effectively. This congestion poses a real danger and creates unnecessary risk for everyone involved.
   
   
4. Clear Policy Guidance
   Many city ordinances and insurance providers now recommend or require:
   • No candy or items thrown from floats.
   • All parade participants operating vehicles to be licensed adults.
   • Spectators to remain outside the parade route at all times.
   • Designated walkers to distribute candy safely by hand.
5. A Compromise That Keeps Tradition Alive
   Eliminating candy altogether might preserve safety, but it sacrifices a beloved tradition. Continuing to allow candy distribution—through walkers rather than throwers—balances the excitement of candy with a much safer delivery method. It’s a reasonable middle ground that protects both community joy and public well-being.

By taking a thoughtful, safety-first approach, Snyder can continue to enjoy the energy, spirit, and excitement of our parades—without sacrificing public safety, driver control, or community cleanliness. This small shift in how candy is distributed can make a big impact on keeping our traditions alive and our community safe. 

A Moment to Reflect 
So we ask you—what’s more important?
Getting a tootsie pop tossed from a float…or knowing that every safety measure was taken, no one got hurt, and every child, every driver, and every spectator went home safe? 

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support as we continue improving our events for all who attend.