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Adrian outlines earlier parade, safety rules for Comstock tree-lighting after staff takeover
Summary
Parks and Recreation Director Jeremiah Davies told the city commission Nov. 3 that organizers moved the parade start earlier, changed the route to keep people downtown and will stop candy being thrown from vehicles to address safety concerns; tree lighting will remain at 8 p.m., with live entertainment from 7:15–7:55 p.m.
Jeremiah Davies, Adrian’s parks and recreation director, briefed the city commission on Nov. 3 about changes to this year’s Comstock Park tree-lighting and parade after the event staff at city hall took over operations.
Davies said the city sold 550 trees and that the tree-lighting event is in its 12th year. “We sold out 24 hours this year,” he said. He described several adjustments designed to keep participants downtown and reduce the time between parade and tree lighting: First Friday activities will begin at 5 p.m.; registration and parade lineup will start at 5 p.m. at the courthouse; the parade will begin at 6 p.m., run through Front and Main streets, head south to Church, loop back on Winter Street and finish at Comstock Park. Davies said the parade typically takes about 1 hour and 15–20 minutes and the tree lighting will occur at 8 p.m., with musical performances on the stage from 7:15–7:55 p.m.
Davies emphasized safety changes for candy distribution. “We would ask that you don't throw candy from the actual vehicles themselves,” he said, adding that organizations may have walkers next to floats to hand out candy. He said staff and DDA volunteers will also move through the route and hand out candy to minimize children darting in front of vehicles in the dark.
Commissioners and residents at the meeting praised the schedule changes as a way to reduce bottlenecks near the park and to allow people who arrive later an opportunity to take part in the event. Davies said lights will remain on through Jan. 1 and he asked participants to remove decorations by Jan. 12.
The commission did not take a formal vote on the event changes; Davies said city staff have been meeting weekly to coordinate logistics and encouraged residents with special requests to contact him or Michelle at city hall.
Two residents who spoke during discussion said the revised schedule should improve attendance and safety. The city will release registration and parade details publicly ahead of the event.
