Lions Club seeks banner over Main Street and asks to distribute candy in Summerfest parade; council cites safety and will review banner logistics

Thad Camp, vice president of the Lions Club of Bellbrook and chairman of this year's Summerfest, told council the club would like a banner across the city's main thoroughfare to promote the event and would like permission for parade participants to distribute candy to spectators.

Camp described the festival as a long‑running community event and said a banner reading the festival name and dates would add a nostalgic, small‑town feel. He also asked whether parade participants could throw candy from vehicles during the parade.

Mayor Schweller and other council members answered that throwing candy from vehicles had been prohibited because children have come too close to vehicle wheels and drivers could not see a child near a vehicle. Mayor Schweller said, however, that people walking along the parade route and handing out candy are allowed. On the banner request, council said staff will review structural and safety requirements, including whether Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) approval is needed because the route is on State Route 725.

Council members noted the library and other groups have expressed interest in downtown banners and that logistics and mounting points would need engineering review. Camp said the festival will continue to involve volunteers and the Lions Club will work with city staff on banner placement and parade safety.

No formal council action was taken at the meeting; staff said they will follow up with the Lions Club on design, engineering checks and any permitting or coordination with ODOT that the location requires.