Raleigh Introduces New Waiver For Christmas Parade Participants

Source: Ivan Las Heras / Getty

The Raleigh Christmas Parade will have participants sign a new mandatory waiver following the 2022 death of an 11-year-old girl while dancing in the parade.

As reported by WRAL, the parade starts at 9:30 am on Saturday in downtown Raleigh. The waiver states that if a participant is injured or killed during the parade, loved ones cannot sue the city.

The waiver was created in response to the death of Hailey Brooks on Nov. 19, 2022. As previously reported, a pickup truck towing a float for CC & Co. Dance Complex lost control, hitting and killing Brooks.

RELATED: Raleigh Christmas Parade Cancelled After Girl Struck, Killed By Truck

Last month, Brooks’ family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Raleigh, interim senior manager of special events Whitney Schoenfeld, and special event planner Kirk Archer. The family is also suing the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association (GRMA), the group that organizes the Raleigh Christmas Parade.

The Brooks family is seeking tens of thousands of dollars in compensation.

The lawsuit reads:

“Hailey and her family loved the Raleigh Christmas Parade. The Brooks family hopes the Raleigh Christmas Parade will continue for many more generations.

This action is brought to ensure that those responsible for Hailey’s death are held accountable and to ensure that no other child or person is hurt or killed by the recklessness of those entrusted with and responsible for the safety of the children and attendees at this Raleigh tradition.

Coverage of the parade begins at 9 am Saturday on WRAL.