Backlash growing over Bristol parade route change

January 8, 2016 10:47 pm

Backlash in Bristol continues to grow over the decision to shorten the 4th of July parade route.

A change.org petition, aiming to reverse that decision is quickly gaining traction. In the day that it’s been up nearly 2000 people have signed.

"I just feel as if I don’t think they thought everything through thoroughly,” said Ashley Aguiar, the woman who created the page.

Aguiar is from Bristol, currently living in New York. She says she was so upset after hearing the news, she felt she had to do something to save the tradition she always comes home for.

"It just upsets me that they didn’t really take into consideration all of those people and the traditions,” said Aguiar.

On the petition website, there is a growing list of heated comments as to why users are choosing to sign.

One person writing in part, "The ‘house on the parade route’ culture specific to this neighborhood will not be the same. Traditions will vanish. Friendships will fade. And not to mention a possible decline in property values and house marketability."

On the Facebook, there are similar comments on the page called: Save the Bristol 4th Parade Route. That page has almost 4,000 likes so far.

ABC 6 News spoke with Fran O’Donnell, the Chair of the Bristol Parade Committee on the phone Friday night. She says she’s not sure if there’s any wiggle room to change the decision. O’Donnell did emphasize that there are no plans for a re-vote, but said that if it doesn’t work she is willing to change it in the future.

"It’s just giving that little tiny bit of hope,” said Aguiar.

The decision to change the route was mainly due to fewer Drum Corps. participating this year. As of now O’Donnell says two will be marching this year. There were seven last year.