Raleigh Christmas parade planners, city council to discuss changes for 2023
The Greater Raleigh Merchants Association plans to address the Raleigh City Council on Tuesday about planned changes to the city's annual Christmas parade.
The city announced last week that it would not approve a parade permit for 2023 after a dancer was hit and killed by a runaway truck during the 2022 Raleigh Christmas parade. Then, 24 hours later, it announced that a compromise had been reached and the parade could go on, but without motorized vehicles.
Other members of the public have also signed up to talk about the changes during the council's meeting on Tuesday.
GRMA director Jennifer Martin said this year's parade will feature marching bands, performers, costume characters, horses, dog rescues, giant balloons, musical acts and more.
City denies Greater Raleigh Merchants Association's initial permit for a Christmas parade with vehicles
On Thursday, the city explained the decision not to grant the permit for the annual Christmas parade.
"The decision was made out of an abundance of caution for parade participants and spectators, as well as respect for Hailey Brooks’ family and friends," the city wrote Thursday in announcing the change.
On Nov. 19, 2022, Brooks was dancing with the CC & Company Dance Complex in the parade when she was struck and killed by an out-of-control pickup truck that lost its brakes on Hillsborough Street near Boylan Avenue. She was 11 years old.
The Brooks family has sued the driver of the truck, Landen Glass, and the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association. The city of Raleigh is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Glass, who was just 20, had a history of traffic violations and had never driven in a parade.
The Brooks family has asked the courts and state legislature for stricter guidelines. Hailey's father, Trey Brooks, asked state lawmakers in April for laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The "Shine Like Hailey" bill also asks for vehicle safety inspections done at least seven days prior to the parade by law enforcement or a local fire department.
That bill passed the House in April, but has yet to pass the Senate.
"If we were to award the contract, but then, the legislation is passed and the criteria isn't met, that could pose [as] a complication," Baldwin said.
Future of parades in Raleigh
WRAL News spoke on Friday with Ira David Wood III, who launched 'A Christmas Carol' in Raleigh back in the 1970s. Wood is known throughout central North Carolina for his portrayal of the character Scrooge.
Wood, who has participated in the Raleigh Christmas Parade for at least 40 years, said he believes the city can safely hold the parade in 2023.
"I'm 76 years old, and I'd be happy to march in the parade, and bring a little Christmas and 'bah humbug' to everybody," Wood said.
Wood said he thinks the city's proposal was a good compromise.
"I think a lot of people will show up and enjoy it," Wood said.
There has been a parade in Raleigh since Brooks was killed. The Raleigh St Patrick's Day Parade was held on March 11 with several rules in place, including:
- All drivers need to be at least 21
- Minors participating in the parade should have adequate adult supervision
- Passengers in parade vehicles are limited to one adult 18 or older
- All vehicles and trailers must have current and valid registration plates
- All vehicles and trailers must have automobile insurance coverage
- All drivers need to possess a valid license for the type of vehicle they are operating
