To enhance

safety at this year's July 4th parade in Peachtree City, the Recreation

Department is seeking volunteers to man the route for crowd control purposes.

The parade

route, which begins at Booth Middle School and proceeds north on Peachtree

Parkway, is especially congested with crowds between Bridlepath and the

Neely Fire Station, according to officials.

Recently, city

staff had recommended that candy throwing at the parade be restricted

because of safety concerns. Recreation and public safety officials noted

that in recent years more youngsters have ventured into the parade route

to collect candy and other freebies.

Such actions

are dangerous considering the trend towards larger floats in the parade

as opposed to the smaller and safer golf carts, officials said.

The crowd control

volunteers are sought as a compromise with the hopes they can prevent

youths from straying into a dangerous path to collect candy and other

freebies.

"More

large vehicles have registered for the parade this year," said recreation

administrator Sherry McHugh. "They have the most trouble seeing spectators

darting in traffic seeking candy."

Parents are

asked to discuss the potential dangers of candy seeking with their children

before the parade.

"They

forget so quickly when they are excited about getting a treat," McHugh

said. "We don't want the holiday ruined with an accident."

To volunteer

for a few hours during the parade, contact the recreation department at

770-631-2542.

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