Shaffer: Permit in works for July 4th parade

By Scott Merzbach
Staff Writer

Published on January 30, 2009

The annual Fourth of July parade will again be able to use Amherst streets at 3 p.m. that day, after organizers were assured this week they would received a permit.

Town Manager Larry Shaffer told the Select Board Monday he intended to issue the permit to the organizers Friday, when he was scheduled to meet with the parade committee at the VFW at the invitation of Co-chairwoman Helen Thelen.

"They will be issued a parade permit, barring anything unforeseen with the police department," Shaffer said.

Kevin Joy, founder of the parade, said he appreciates the decision. "Now we can get on the phone and call bands and see if they're available," Joy said.

The decision came after pressure from attorney Bill Newman of Northampton, who sent a letter to Shaffer urging that the permit be issued promptly so organizers could begin reserving entertainment for the event. Newman has defended the group's right to stage a parade and set the rules for participation.

But Shaffer expressed disappointment that he has so far been unable to help arrange a community-oriented parade in which dissent and most forms of protest would be allowed.

Shaffer acknowledged this participation is something that he can't compel the private organizers to allow.

Last year, Shaffer announced plans to have a second parade this year, and the Leisure Services and Supplemental Education department took out a permit to use streets throughout the day for a town-sponsored parade. Joy said this was a tactic designed to force the private group's hands.

"Essentially, we've had the permit held over our head," Joy said.

Joy said the organizers already changed the rules to allow each group to hold identifying signs. But they have refused to allow explicit protest because the idea of the parade, when started in 2002, was to honor law enforcement officials, members of the military and veterans.

To Shaffer, the spirit of the private parade still isn't inclusionary enough, and thus the parade will not feature any town equipment, including fire engines and police cruisers, because it will not be representing his ideals of free speech.

Amherst firefighters and police officers will be able to march, but won't be able to wear official uniforms.

Even though he hasn't reached the conclusion he hoped for, Shaffer said he wishes the organizers the best. "We want it to go off as smoothly and seamlessly as possible," Shaffer said.

Select Board member Alisa Brewer asked if there could be multiple parades, organized by other groups on July Fourth, and suggested town officials should be careful not to call the 3 p.m. event the town parade.

"I am concerned about referring to anything as a town parade," Brewer said.

Shaffer said he would help facilitate any other groups that want to have a parade that day, such as the League of Women Voters.

Shaffer thanked the private parade committee for being cooperative and understanding in recent months and said he would continue working toward having a true community parade.