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I was asked if it was legal to carry at our town’s July 4th Parade. Specifically, we were helping out with the high school band, passing out water bottles, etc. I said it was OK based on a few things:
• The parade was not school-sponsored; the band was simply participating in it.
• It was not an athletic event.
• The parade was on city streets, not school property.

Does anyone have a different understanding/opinion?

The parade was not school sponsored, but the band is. I think you should have disarmed.

fizteach wrote:The parade was not school sponsored, but the band is. I think you should have disarmed.

Does this mean that with an out of state permit one must stay 1000 feet from a high school tuba player, or other bandsman?

JALLEN wrote:Does this mean that with an out of state permit one must stay 1000 feet from a high school tuba player, or other bandsman?

Are you the police?
No ma'am. We're musicians.

gringo pistolero wrote:

JALLEN wrote:Does this mean that with an out of state permit one must stay 1000 feet from a high school tuba player, or other bandsman?

Are you the police?
No ma'am. We're musicians.

The quality of an internet forum thread can be measured in how quickly it evolves into a high-quality (e.g. Blues Brothers) movie quote.

Well played, gringo!

fizteach wrote:The parade was not school sponsored, but the band is. I think you should have disarmed.

Interesting scenario. I would argue that school is out. Therefore it is not a school sponsored event. The band kids just showed up and participated as a group, not as a school unit. I would suspect they did NOT wear their wool, school issued, uniforms. Just a bunch of kids having a good time. No UIL or school function, OK to carry.

kg5ie wrote:

fizteach wrote:The parade was not school sponsored, but the band is. I think you should have disarmed.

Interesting scenario. I would argue that school is out. Therefore it is not a school sponsored event. The band kids just showed up and participated as a group, not as a school unit. I would suspect they did NOT wear their wool, school issued, uniforms. Just a bunch of kids having a good time. No UIL or school function, OK to carry.

Well, they were probably billed as the "Franklin Grump High School Marching Wildebeasts" or whatever, the band director present, and in some kind of attire prescribed by the band organization. Was the school district responsible for any injuries they would have sustained, it bring argued that it WAS a school function.

Hard to say without the facts. In the sticks, you'd likely be OK; less likely in the 'hood.

It's not a school function, the school band simply participated. Just like the school attending the zoo or some other place off campus doesn't turn wherever they go into an anti chl haven. Some may disagree, thats fine, you are welcome to it but thats my opinion. Saying so would mean I couldn't carry at my local McDonald's after a football game when the coach drives most of the kids to get some ice cream. It would also mean that if I was shopping at a business along the way I couldn't carry simply because school children were potentially present in the area. Makes no sense, not that all of our laws make sense, lol.

I agree with you. If it were a parade for the band or a parade in honor of a school victory, I'd feel differently... But a generic parade? They're participating as a school unit, but the parade would happen without the band. It's not a school event.

To answer some of the questions that were asked:
* All of the area schools participated (bands, cheerleaders, drill teams, etc.) along with many other non-school related groups from the area. The parade would have definitely happened with or without the schools.
* The kids wore their "summer uniform" that included a polo shirt with the band logo.
* Definitely not UIL related.
* Band directors were present, leading the band.
* Not sure about who would have been responsible for any injuries.
* It was a "required" event for the band, so it's not quite the same as going to McDonald's after a game.