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Take caution candy throwers

By Staff | Mar 10, 2009

The 51st annual Lions Club Shrimp Festival parade is just hours away and rumors that prohibit participants from throwing candy and beads from their floats and vehicles have been flying.

They are untrue…to a point.

Although there have been no reported serious injuries during the history of the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. and extends one mile on Estero Boulevard from School Street to the Mantanzas Bridge, there is still concern.

Many children reportedly have been seen ducking close to or under slow-moving parade vehicles and floats to scoop up pieces of candy.

“We’ve been trying to enforce that rule because of safety reasons,” said Lion Carolyn Van Duzer. “But it’s basically unenforceable.”

According to former Lion president Diane Clifton, there is a policy in writing.

“It’s on our Web site with the parade application,” she said. “But it’s impossible to enforce. We just ask to please control your children.”

Written in bright red, the regulation on the Web site page states: Participants will not be allowed to throw anything from their floats or vehicles (i.e. candy and/or beads).

“I’ve heard of the restrictions, but the town doesn’t mandate it,” said Town Clerk Michelle Mayher.

One point that will be mandated is the closing of the skybridge which will be officially closed from 9 a.m. to noon to clear a path for the parade, a long-standing local tradition that attracts many residents and tourists alike.

One possible solution to promote safety and still have the “restrictive” items involved could come from off-road participants, much like the policy enforced by the staff of the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade.

“We allow our entries to walk along the sides of the street next to the crowd and hand out candy or anything else they have to pass along,” said Bobbi Stage, executive director of Edison Festival of Light operations. “One reason we don’t allow participants to throw items is because it is a safety issue, especially with our night parade. It is within our rules and regulations.”

Stage referred to the edisonfestival.org website and its rules and regulation page under the Grand Parade application. The sixth rule listed under the heading ‘favors’ states: No candy, favors or materials may be thrown from the parade route. The 14th rule under ‘walkers’ stresses: Walkers may perform along the float as long as they are in costume in accordance with the theme of the float. Children are NOT allowed to walk alongside a float.

“Unfortunately, in the state of Florida, there has been a couple of incidents that have resulted in injury and/or death,” said Stage. “We need to be careful so that there is no chance of that happening.”

The Grand Parade of the Edison Festival of Lights has been marching along for 71 years.

“We have several meetings with all of our volunteers, our parade marshals, and all of the drivers of the vehicles involved,” said Stage. “Within these meetings, we go through the safety issues. We hit them several different times with that information.”

Breeze Corporation sales representative Chris Patton remembers her youthful days as a parade participant.

“Fifty years ago, we were beach baby sitters in the parade trying to drum up business with our phone numbers listed on the car,” said the long-time resident who grew up on the beach. “We threw candy back then.”

So, if there is a need to throw candy, beads or a tantrum, please take caution in your approach.

“Just make sure you throw it far enough,” said Van Duzer.

Shrimp Queen Contestants

On March 14, after the parade, 2008 Shrimp Festival queen Ashley Castro will pass her crown to one of the lucky princesses.

The 2009 Queen contestants are listed below in alphabetical order:

n Kira Dobbs, a 17-year-old graduate of South Fort Myers High School.

Kira is sponsored by Semmer Electric Inc.

n Jessica Lebak, an 18-year-old senior at Cypress Lake High School

Jessica is sponsored by Fish Tale Marina

n Meghan Murphy, a 16-year-old junior at Estero High School

Meghan is sponsored by Red Coconut RV Park

n Danielle Pierce, a 17-year-old junior at Estero High School

Danielle is sponsored by Trico Shrimp Company

n Faith Russell, a 17-year old from Chicago

Faith is sponsored by Yucatan Beach Stand & Grill

n Georgiana Marie Wright, a 19-year-old graduate of Cypress Lake High School

Georgiana is sponsored by Erikson & Jenson Seafood Packers

Shrimp Festival weekend list of events

n Saturday, March 14 Chamber’s 5K run

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce will hold its 24th annual 5K run. The Fort Myers Track Club-sanctioned event will begin at 9:30 a.m.

If you are interested in participating, go to www.ftmyerstrackclub.com or stop in or call the chamber office at 454-7500.

n Saturday, March 14 Parade

The 51st annual Lions Club Shrimp Festival parade will march down Estero Boulevard from School Street to the Matanzas Bridge at 10 a.m.

Grand Marshall Joanne Semmer will be accompanied by her 9-year old granddaughter, Lexi Gore. Lexi’s father, Henry, has owned and operated a shrimp boat for over 25 years.

For more information call Carolyn at 463-9738 or Ted at 454-0043.

n Saturday, March 14 Queen ceremony

Judging and crowning of the 2009 Shrimp Queen will begin after the parade at Lynn Hall Park by the pier. The ceremony is sponsored by the FMB Lions Club.

n Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15 Vendors – food and crafts

During and after the parade, check out the exposition at Lynn Hall Memorial Park. You can enjoy the Lions Club famous shrimp dinners and different varieties of food and crafts.