Fayetteville Christmas parade organizers address safety after Raleigh parade death

Rachael Riley, The Fayetteville Observer
·2 min read
Zeta Phi Beta sorority members and family wave to paradegoers during the 2021 Rotary Christmas Parade in Fayetteville. Organizers say safety precautions are in place for this year's parade.
Zeta Phi Beta sorority members and family wave to paradegoers during the 2021 Rotary Christmas Parade in Fayetteville. Organizers say safety precautions are in place for this year's parade.

Following the death of an 11-year-old girl at the Raleigh Christmas parade, organizers of Fayetteville’s parade said safety precautions will be taken here.

Hailey Brooks was a dancer killed at the Nov. 19 Raleigh Christmas parade, according to a GoFundMe link shared on the Facebook page of the CC & Co. Dance Complex, which Hailey was part of.  She was struck by a truck towing a float that lost control, authorities said.

The driver, 20-year-old Landon C. Glass, is charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, careless and reckless driving, using improper equipment, unsafe movement and carrying a firearm in a parade, according to the Associated Press.

More:Raleigh Christmas parade crash leaves child dead after float hits dance troupe

Safety precautions have always been in place for Fayetteville's Rotary Christmas Parade, but safety is even more of a focus after the Raleigh accident, organizers said.

The parade on Saturday is expected to feature more than 70 entries including bands, dance groups, motorcycles and horses, along with Grand Marshal Amy Navejas, a Rotarian and CEO of Cumberland County United Way; and Santa Claus.

Fayetteville Rotary president and Christmas parade co-chair, Bradon Price, said that the vehicles in this year's parade have been in the parade in previous years.

The Gate Beautiful float makes its way in the 2021 Rotary Christmas Parade in Fayetteville. Organizers say safety precautions are in place for this year's parade.
The Gate Beautiful float makes its way in the 2021 Rotary Christmas Parade in Fayetteville. Organizers say safety precautions are in place for this year's parade.
Members of the Diamond Xtreme Allstars sports club ride on the group's float during the 2021 Rotary Christmas Parade in historic downtown Fayetteville. Organizers say safety precautions are in place for this year's parade.
Members of the Diamond Xtreme Allstars sports club ride on the group's float during the 2021 Rotary Christmas Parade in historic downtown Fayetteville. Organizers say safety precautions are in place for this year's parade.

Organizers are requiring all vehicles to display a valid vehicle registration, and all drivers will have to present a valid driver’s license at check-in, Price said Monday.

“We are also creating additional spacing in between entries to allow for reaction time in the unfortunate event something was to happen beyond our control,” he said. “We are working with (Fayetteville Police Department) and city officials to have a safe and fun parade.”

Spectators are asked to remain on the sidewalks during the parade.

“We are excited to bring the community and families together for a holiday celebration in downtown Fayetteville and to be able to do so in grand style, post-pandemic,” he said.

Fayetteville’s annual parade has been hosted by the Rotary Club of Fayetteville since 1999, according to a news release.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Person Street and Liberty Point and travels around the Market House and along Hay Street to the railroad station in downtown Fayetteville.

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Safety plans in place for Fayetteville Christmas parade after Raleigh death