DAPHNE, Ala. — Young children at The Neighborhood School Thursday dressed in princess hats, Spiderman masks and galoshes, parading between rows filled with family and friends. The youngsters wore costumes and walked the parade route — but here, throws were tossed from the sidelines into the procession.

Why? Because the school’s first parade 12 years ago presented a problem: Children rode floats and held bags of throws, but wouldn’t throw them, Carriann Toombs, director of The Neighborhood School, said.

“They screamed ‘no’ and ‘mine’ and would not let go of the toys,” she said.

Directors then decided to have the children parade while parents threw goodies their way, Toombs said.

“The kids want the throws and the parents want to see their kids in the parade, so we do the backwards parade and everyone’s happy,” she said.

Now parents, siblings and friends line the sides of the street with handfuls of beaded necklaces, moon pies and toys. The children walk and ride between the crowd catching and picking up items as they go.

The parents sponsor the event, Toombs said. They bring the throws and refreshments for the classrooms. Most even take off work for the occasion, she said.

Brian Puckett attended the parade to see his 5-year-old daughter, Emma.

“The parents collect the beads and bring them to the school, then we take them back home,” Puckett said.

It’s worth all the trouble because the kids get so excited, Puckett said. They love to catch the throws.”

“I caught all kinds of stuff,” Emma said. “I got roses, beads, candy, moon pies and flutes — you blow on them and they whistle!”

Reece Miles, 5, wore a purple, green and gold Dr. Seuss–style hat in the parade. He enjoys the food and the fun.

“Today is our Mardi Gras party and we get to eat snacks,” he said. “Plus, I caught a stuffed alligator.”

Parents agreed that their children are worth the efforts; Toombs couldn’t be happier with parent participation and support.

“They come and celebrate their children; they make it fun for the kids,” she said.

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