UPDATE – After community feedback which put Salina Downtown into what they admit was a “sticky situation” they have reversed an announcement made earlier in the day Tuesday and will allow candy and handouts at the 2026 Parade of Lights, with guidelines. Parents are being asked to please keep kids back from the parade participants and out of the street.
Earlier story
Salina Downtown Inc. announced Wednesday a policy change for their annual Parade of Lights. For the 2026 event, giveaways and other handouts will not be permitted to be thrown or distributed along the parade route.
In a statement, Salina Downtown said “this was not a decision we made lightly, and we do not anticipate it being a permanent change. However, with an estimated 18,000 people gathered downtown for the event, we have seen an increasing number of children and adults entering the parade route to retrieve candy. This creates a significant safety risk for parade participants, volunteers, law enforcement, and, most importantly, the spectators we are committed to protecting.”
This is similar to policies in place for some other parades. McPherson County’s All Schools Day parade, which attracts a much larger attendance, has for several years not allowed candy to be thrown from vehicles, It does permit candy and such to be handed out by walkers on the edges of their route.
In the statement, Salina Downtown said they know this tradition has been a favorite for many years, and we appreciate your cooperation as we work together to keep the Parade of Lights a safe and enjoyable experience for our entire community.
