DOWNTOWN PARADES
Inweekly has obtained the results of the Downtown Improvement Board’s public parade survey. Between Sept. 16 and Sept. 23, the survey drew 623 submissions, asking respondents about future parade routes, what matters most in choosing a route, perceived safety, a proposed pre-parade street party and possible improvements.
The traditional Garden Street/South Palafox route led overall and among respondents who said they had experienced both routes. The survey also drew a particularly large share of parade crew members and participants.
Route Preference
The traditional route was the clear favorite. Of 623 submissions:
- 421 (67.6%) favored the traditional Garden Street and South Palafox route for major parades,
- 108 (17.3%) favored the Garden Street and South Jefferson route.
- 58 (9.3%) said either route would work, and
- Remaining 36 respondents chose different routes depending on the parade, proposed another configuration, or were unsure.
Among the 431 respondents who said they had experienced both routes, 276 (64%) preferred Palafox and 81 (18.8%) preferred Jefferson.
Who Responded
Crew members and regular attendees dominated the responses. Nearly two-thirds of respondents, 401 (64.4%), identified their connection to downtown as a selected parade participant or crew member. And 400 (83.7%) said they attend almost every parade.
What Matters Most in a Route
Viewing and atmosphere topped the list of priorities. Parade viewing and atmosphere were the most selected route criteria, chosen by 440 respondents (70.6%), followed by public safety at 285 (45.7%) and business access or economic activity at 225 (36.1%).
Safety and the Street Party Proposal
Additional security measures found broad support. Additional security measures made 384 respondents (61.6%) feel safer.
- A proposed pre-parade street party also drew majority support, with 383 respondents (61.5%) in favor, 64 (10.3%) opposed, 109 neutral and 67 unsure.
