Raleigh Christmas Parade will happen in November without vehicles
The Raleigh Christmas Parade is back on.
However, the parade on Nov. 18 in downtown Raleigh will not have motorized vehicles or floats, according to Greater Raleigh Merchants Association executive director Jennifer Martin.
"Obviously, there are a few details to work out, but otherwise, we’re very fortunate and thankful that we have been given this opportunity because we really believe this will mean a lot to the people in our community," Martin said.
On Friday, Raleigh city staff reached out to the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association with a compromise for a non-motorized Christmas parade, according to Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin.
Martin said the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association's board made the decision to accept the city's proposal.
“It was 100% unanimous," Martin said. "Again, our board really wants what’s best for this community.
"And, we feel that this event is just such a great event and it’s a beloved tradition, but more than that, we look at all the high school kids and all the performers, the dancers, this may be the highlight of their year.”
Martin said this year's parade will feature marching bands, performers, costume characters, horses, dog rescues, giant balloons, musical acts and more. She said the board plans to meet Monday to determine more specifics about this year's parade.
On Thursday, the city said it would not grant the association's special event permit application for the 2023 Raleigh Christmas Parade. The initial denial for the 2023 Raleigh Christmas Parade involved vehicles.
"Let's look at an unmotorized parade and see if we can make that work," Baldwin said. "That way, we still have the marching bands. We still have the dancers."
Martin explained the discussions between the city and the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association.
“We asked if there was any other room for discussion or opportunity on that given that other parades have had vehicles," Martin said. "We were told no. The only option, if we want to do the parade this year, would be non-motorized.”
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 with vehicles.
"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.
This year's parade was scheduled for Nov. 18.
On Thursday, the Brooks family released a statement, stating they disagree with the decision to cancel the parade.
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 believes there were standards not in place, and they have 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
