Now, we want to be sure of this, so here’s a quick synopsis:
Business owners along the Ogden Pioneer Days Parade route complain to the city about spectators illegally congregating out in front of their businesses.
Ogden City Council takes their complaints seriously, and passes an ordinance legalizing camping along the parade route.
There, problem solved.
OK, that might not exactly reflect the situation, but the solution does seem puzzling to us.
About 100,000 spectators are expected for this year’s parade planned for Monday, July 25. (Yes, the July 24th Pioneer Day falls on a Sunday this year). In years past it has been a free-for-all the day before as people have scrambled to reserve prime viewing spots along Washington Boulevard.
Business owners say those putting out space-saving blankets and chairs have impeded customers.
Under the new ordinance, spectators can put out blankets, sleeping bags or chairs on public property beginning at 6 p.m. the night before, but someone has to stay on the site all night. Areas are not permitted to be reserved with ropes, banners, vehicles or other kinds of barriers.
We understand the 6 p.m. start time is after most businesses close, so that will solve the loitering issue. However, the city and business leaders may be trading one problem for another.
The city says curfew laws will be enforced, which means any participant under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There are a number of other rules available for review at www.council.ogdencity.com. Still, there will have to be a constant police presence along the route during the night to enforce the curfew, control vandalism and hold down the subsequent partying that might develop.
This year, it may not be much of an issue because it will be a Sunday night. We could see a whole block party develop on Friday and Saturday nights in future years, though.
If that is what the city and community wants, then OK. However, we doubt that was the intent.
And what about bathroom facilities? If we recall, that was one of the major complaints from businesses about the now-defunct Ogden Street Festival.
We don’t want to be party poopers. We think the Pioneer Days parade is a great attraction for the city. We just want the experience to be enjoyable for all, especially families. We’re not sure this camping ordinance is the right way to go about maintaining that atmosphere.
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