Letter to the Editor: Reserve Mary Christopher Park for visitors during the Nordic Fest Parade

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Mark Gowdy-Jaehnig of Decorah):
 
"What is it with people staking claims to the boulevard at Mary Christopher Park for the Nordic Fest Parade?  It seems to me that this is a public park.  As such, it should be open for public use during the parade.  
 
I bring this up because there is decreasing space for out-of-town guests to watch the parade, with half of the route 'saved' well before the parade.
 
Shouldn't we be welcoming people to our celebration?"