Dozens of volunteers make handcart parade run

So just how many volunteers does it take to stage an extravaganza like the July 23 Bountiful Handcart Days Parade?

Source: Davis County Clipper

“To successfully organize a quality parade like this, it will take the help of approximately 250 individuals,” answers Bruce Bennett, Grand Parade Volunteer Coordinator.

“I had no idea what it takes to organize a parade of this magnitude,” he told the Clipper. “In January of this year, when I was asked to participate, I had already missed the first of the planning meetings. It seems there’s an urgency and excitement to get an early start.”

Chairing the entire parade project is former Woods Cross mayor Jerry Larrabee and his wife, Lois. This is their third year in that role: first as an observer and trainee, then as parade organizers, and now as organizers and trainers for the next group.

“There are committee heads that oversee every aspect of the parade, including announcer and information booths, antique cars, bands, clowns, floats, horses, publicity, VIPs, communications, parade staging and disband, security, and cleanup,” Bennett said.

For each committee chair, it takes many hours of phone calls and follow up – a process that begins early in the year, he explained.

“We have asked the adults who have volunteered from our Woods Cross Utah Stake to handle the more demanding positions, like street crossing guards, and have asked our youth groups to do the parade route cleanup after it ends,” he said.

About 125 youth are expected to be picking up trash after the parade. They’ll dispose of trash bags in trucks provided by the City of Bountiful. “Then the street sweepers will do the rest,” Bennett said.

The Bountiful Police Department is a prime example of a city entity that lends its strong backing to making the parade as successful as possible.

“It takes almost two-thirds of our department (or up to 26 officers), plus several reserve officers,” or up to about 30 people, said Police Chief Tom Ross.

“It’s the largest event, department-wise, that we handle each year. Most of it is in blocking off the streets, keeping the parade route secure,” he said.

“It starts with the chair enforcement about 5 in the morning (on parade day), with it being an all-day event for a few of our folks. The rest get called about 4 p.m. for a briefing, get ready to shut down the streets” for the 6 p.m. parade kickoff, Ross said.

“I think the most difficult assignment of all is the chair assignment. That’s tougher duty,” he said. That refers to officers having to inform eager parade watchers they can’t set up before 7 a.m. that day.

While most people are understanding, the chief said “every year a couple of people get heated. It’s usually about a property owner and somebody putting up chairs,” the chief said.

“Last year was the best year that we have had for many years,” he said.

South Davis Metro Fire also staffs the parade beyond its visible participation in the event. That means having crew and equipment on hand in case of medical emergencies.

“It’s not uncommon each year to have medical issues,” Ross said. “Whether it’s someone hit (by a float) or a medical emergency – it’s typically hot. We do worry about people staying hydrated, or about those with health issues.”

He said no significant problems have developed during any of the parades he’s been involved with in his 20-plus year career.

Sgt. Ed Beihler is the police department’s detail man when it comes to the parade. He attends meetings months before the actual parade, and also coordinates the agency’s involvement with the fireworks and other annual events.

Read Source: Davis County Clipper – Dozens of volunteers make handcart parade run