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Organizers appeal denial of long‑running Truman Smith Toy Run permit, tell council safety suffered without police escort
Summary
Organizers and supporters of the 33‑year Truman Smith Toy Run urged Longview City Council to reinstate a parade permit and police escorts after three years of denials; the speaker said she has appealed the most recent denial and cited a prior accident to argue police support is necessary for rider safety.
Organizers of the Truman Smith Toy Run told the City Council on Nov. 13 they have formally appealed a recent denial of a parade permit that previously enabled a 33‑year tradition delivering holiday gifts to children at the Truman Smith Children’s Hospital.
Melissa Lynn Kelly, who said she represents the Toy Run, told council the event historically received a parade permit and police support but has been denied for three years despite following required procedures and paying fees. "Without the support of law enforcement, when riders are scattered and unescorted, the risk goes up," Kelly said, citing a prior accident in which a veteran participant and a child were struck.
Kelly rejected off‑the‑record characterizations by police that riders drink before the event, saying organizers remove intoxicated participants when they appear. She said the ride benefits more than 100 disabled children and that revoking the permit threatens the event’s future.
Several supporters — including a long‑time rider and a former precinct judge who said they had helped secure off‑duty escorts outside city limits — told council the group has offered to pay for off‑duty officers and coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions. Organizer Cindy Walls said breaking the group at red lights is less safe than keeping riders together under escort.
Council did not make a binding decision on the appeal at the meeting; Kelly said she has filed an appeal and asked the mayor and staff to work with the police department to find a way to safely permit the ride.
