Lance Maggart / lmaggart@skyhinews.com
Water projectiles will no longer be allowed in Grand Lake’s Buffalo Days Stampede parade after the town board unanimously approved an emergency ordinance to that effect late this week.
Thursday night, just three days before Grand Lake will play host for the 72nd annual Buffalo Days festivities Grand Lake’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve an emergency ordinance banning the use of water projectiles. The vote on the emergency ordinance came nearly one month after Grand Lake’s board held a previous discussion about the issue.
In early June Grand Lake’s Chamber of Commerce approached the Grand Lake town board requesting the board approve an ordinance banning water projectiles and other water features within Grand Lake’s annual Buffalo Days parade, which has historically featured a water zone at the far eastern end of Grand Avenue as part of the parade.
During that discussion Mayor Jim Peterson noted that a citizen was injured in the parade’s water zone in 2018. He further noted the town’s insurance company would not insure the parade if the town did not eliminate the water zone.
Fans of the water zone at the Buffalo Days parade will still get to enjoy a fun filled water experience on Sunday though. This year’s Buffalo Days event will feature a water zone feature, though unlike in years past this year’s water zone will be held at Lakefront Park and not on Grand Avenue. The water zone is set to begin immediately following the end of the parade.
The emergency ordinance went into effect immediately Thursday night after its adoption by the town. Deputies from the Grand County Sheriff’s Office will enforce the ordinance, which allows for the continued gentle tossing of candy during the parade.