UPDATED: City forbids throwing parade candy from vehicles, floats due to liability worry

With fall comes parade season across Columbus County. But due to a fatal motor vehicle accident in Raleigh during a parade last year, the City of Whiteville will not allow candy or "other items" to be thrown from vehicles or floats during upcoming parades this fall, according to Mayor Terry Mann.

"I, along with city council and staff, realize this is not going to be a popular change," Mann said in a statement to The News Reporter; however, the city is "at the mercy" of its insurance provider, he said.

On Nov. 19, 2022, a runaway truck in the Raleigh Christmas Parade struck and killed an 11-year-old girl who was performing in the parade, according to The News and Observer at the time. According to The News and Observer, the 20-year-old operating the vehicle was later charged with involuntary manslaughter, among other offenses.

Since the fatal accident in Raleigh, the City of Whiteville's liability insurance carrier has recommended disallowing candy and any other items from being thrown to the crowd during parades, Mann said. However, the passing out of candy isn't completely prohibited.

As an alternative to throwing candy or parade paraphernalia to the crowd, participants "may walk along the route and physically pass things out," Mann said. However, tossing anything from vehicles or floats during the parade "will not be allowed," Mann reiterated.

Whiteville Police Chief Doug Ipock told The News Reporter Wednesday that while parade participants are not allowed to "throw candy from a moving vehicle or float," people on foot can throw candy underhanded close to the curb so that kids can safely retrieve the treats. No one is allowed to throw candy overhand, Ipock said, because "unfortunately kids get hit, and that's part of the problem."

City staff have notified parade organizers of the change in policy, Mann said, "and we hope all participants will cooperate."

Fall and winter parades in Whiteville usually include the Whiteville High School Homecoming Parade, Columbus County Agricultural Fair Parade, Veterans Parade, N.C. Pecan Harvest Festival Parade and the Whiteville Christmas Parade.