Business
The C4 Report From the City of Central Chamber of Commerce
By |
Thursday night (tonight as of this publication) we will light the tree, have a concert, and kick off the Christmas in Central Season. 10am Saturday morning, December 1st, a 26 year tradition continues in Central with the “Christmas in Central Parade!” Many have wondered why we have decided to change the parade route this year. For 25 years the parade has gone down Hooper Road and changing the direction grates on the nerves of our tradition a little bit. However, there are some good reasons for the change.
Central finally has a four lane road running through our city. Joor Road has 4 lanes, a turning lane, and shoulders as well. This is a tremendous advantage from a safety stand point. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Transportation Office says this is a vast improvement. So starting at 9am Saturday, Joor Road will be closed till the parade and cleanup is over.
The width of Joor Road allows for crowds to watch the parade without having to stand in steep ditches or crowd next to moving floats on the narrow Hooper Road. We are thankful, that in recent years, there have not been any serious accidents to damper our festivities. As Central continues to grow and the crowd at the parade does likewise, this will hopefully secure our continued safety record.
The parade will travel down the turn lane of Joor. In the event that an emergency does occur on the parade route, or somewhere else in the city, emergency vehicles will have the ability to move up and down the route without having to drive in the ditch. So please do not park on the shoulder of the road or unfortunately your vehicle will be towed.
2 years ago, we were asked to start cleaning the streets because of safety issues arising from the debris left on the street. The cleanup will greatly improve with this new route. Street sweeper and vacuum trucks will be able to pick up more of the debris without losing it in the ditches. You can help with this as well by picking up beads and candy by your spot.
The parade route is just about the same distance as in previous years and the parade exit route is going to provide a smoother and safer transition. We have never secured parking before and are hesitant to give out too many suggestions involving other people’s property. So this first year on this route, parking may be a little more difficult and people may have to walk a little more to get a good spot. Sort of like you have to do for a Mardi Gras Parade. Let’s pray for great weather!
Overall, safety of our citizens, the parade participants and attendees has to stay at the forefront of what we do. We are aware that change of this magnitude produces some new and unforeseen hassles. We ask that you please be patient, courteous and realize it will take some time to work the kinks out. Above all, come out on Saturday and enjoy the many floats, bands, marchers, dancers and the arrival of Santa! Have a Merry Christmas Season!
0 comments