Decades-old no candy rule at Sioux Falls parades rooted in safety concerns

44th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 2 p.m.

(Courtesy of DTSF.com)

There'll be no shortage of green, clovers, and Irish joy at today’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Sioux Falls. But the same cannot be said for candy at the 44th annual spring procession down Phillips Avenue.

That’s because for nearly three decades, the city of Sioux Falls has prohibited parade participants from distributing candy, balloons and trinkets at not just the St. Patricks’ Day Parade, but any parade held in the city. 

“It’s a safety thing,” said Keith Allenstein, an assistant city attorney who handles matters involving the police department, which is responsible for permitting parades. “It was passed to prevent kids from running out into the streets.”

Allenstein also noted that the no-candy rule also mitigates risks of injuries that might occur from candy and other objects being thrown.

Safety isn’t the only reason the prohibition has been embraced by not just the city, but parade organizers too.

Candy creates litter, and not having candy and balloons distributed at parades minimizes the amounts of waste and refuse that ends up in storm drains.

SCOUTING REPORT PODCAST: Kid talks candy ban
NEWS: Air quality reports cast doubt on Sioux Falls closure of Delbridge Museum