Jonesboro, Arkansas – As the Jonesboro Christmas Parade draws near, many people are concerned about safety since a parade float struck a little girl the previous year.
Hundreds of locals line the streets of Downtown Jonesboro for the parade, which brings them happiness, pleasure, and sweets. However, since 11-year-old Melanie Fletcher shattered her foot in 2023 after being run over by a parade float, the celebrations have become frightening.
The next day, she declared it to be the most terrifying event of her life.
“Will I die? The only thing that sprung to mind was that. Will I die? “I would have selected about a 15 on a scale of 1 to 10,” Flather remarked.
For this year’s parade on Friday, December 6, the Jonesboro Police Department intends to provide support.
According to Patrolman Ryan Crawford, the procession consistently draws a sizable crowd to a comparatively small space.
He stated, “We have additional officers that will be downtown to help avoid any of the floats that may be in the parade.”
Crawford claimed that in an attempt to acquire the most candy, the crowd frequently moves from the sidewalk to the roadway, which could result in injuries.
“Every year,” he continued, “we ask people to stay on the sidewalks.” “We are aware that candy has been thrown in previous years, but generally speaking, we need you to stay on the sidewalks for us.”
Keeping spectators on the sidewalk increases street space for parade participants and keeps them safe. According to Crawford, it keeps them safer from the float than if there are a lot of people on the streets.
He stated, “We just want everyone to come out, have fun, and just be safe.”
On Friday, the Jonesboro Christmas Parade will begin between 7 and 9 p.m.
