Post Falls ambassadors fear proposed change threatens parade

POST FALLS — Parade organizers have raised concerns about a new ordinance being discussed by city officials regarding the Post Falls parade, which will be addressed at tonight’s City Council meeting. 

The proposed ordinance would require organizers to apply for a permit before a parade could take place. 

In the agenda packet, officials described the current parade practices as "unsustainable," citing the strain they place on support departments. 

Staff estimate their costs for supporting the parade at around $11,000. 

In a letter dated Feb. 28, signed by Post Falls Community Ambassadors representatives Scot Haug, Warren Merritt and Charlene Holbrook, the nonprofit expressed frustration over the city's consideration of "adding more hurdles to a cherished tradition" and for not consulting them while the City Council considered adopting a parade ordinance. 

The letter outlines three key concerns: unprecedented regulation, lack of city support and the increased burden on volunteers. 

"While we support cost efficiency, the changes outlined in this proposal threaten the continued success of the Post Falls Festival Parade," the letter said.

In a phone interview Monday, Haug had a question for city officials: "Are we going to legislate the parade out of existence?” 

Months before the 2024 parade, the city informed organizers it could not provide traffic control, citing the unavailability of 24 police officers to cover four streets in Post Falls. At the time, City Administrator Shelly Enderud said law enforcement resources were stretched too thin. 

Haug said the nonprofit was fortunate to make up the difference in 2024. 

"Last year, the Idaho Army National Guard came in and saved the day," Haug said. "They brought 20 people in at no cost." 

To further offset the city's limitations, the ambassadors hired a traffic engineering firm to create a traffic plan at a cost of $2,500. 

“This should be a partnership. If there’s an issue, we should work together to find a solution,” Haug said. 

Currently, the ambassadors organize the parade and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce accepts applications. Application and sponsorship fees are collected by the ambassadors, while the city provides traffic management, security and planning assistance. 

In 2015, when the parade was at risk of being canceled, the Post Falls Community Ambassadors were formed to ensure it continued. They secured sponsors and rallied the community to keep the parade alive. 

"We can’t let this happen. We have to salvage the parade. It brings everyone together," Haug said. 

The letter calls on the City Council to reject the amendment and allow the parade to proceed under the current ordinance and processes; restore city support for essential traffic control and equipment access; and collaborate with event organizers "to find reasonable solutions rather than implementing restrictive policies without consultation."

Councilor Randy Westlund said the nonprofit was informed multiple times over the past year about changes to the code but there had been no specific feedback. 

"In short, we need to balance the burden on the city and our police department’s time with our desire to maintain community events like the parade," he said. 

Councilor Samantha Steigleder said the Post Falls Parade and Post Falls Days are a highlight of every summer in the city, adding she “looks forward to having it all come together again this year."