Saving Parade Seats - Fun Chelmsford Tradition, or Unnecessary Eyesore?

To save or not to save? That is the question.

Earlier this week, town officials asked Chelmsford residents not to leave their chairs out on the sidewalk in advance of Friday's Fourth of July parade.

Reaction from residents has been mixed, with some saying it is an annual tradition that should continue, and others arguing that it's a tradition that has gotten out of hand with residents leaving their chairs outside more than a week in advance.

Here are some reactions on the topic from Chelmsford Patch commenters and Facebook followers.

Tim Miranda: "It seems to start a couple days earlier every year. At least 8 days this year. Next year probably 10. It's getting silly."

Chris Bernard: "I believe this is an example of what I'll call the 'Lemming Effect' in which one chair was placed in a prominent location ridiculously early and things snowballed from there. Someone correct me if I'm wrong."

Sherry Skinner: "I really don't understand the uproar this year with the chairs (I think it's small town charming ) but a simple solution is to put police tape up until someone decides it's time."

Tyler Jozefowicz: "Tradition? It's a rude gesture. Reminds me of people putting coats and bags on seats at theaters, shows, performances, sporting events for friends that are not even there, or standing in a parking space, blocking it until a car comes."

Ruth Canonico: "I have been living in Chelmsford and now North Chelmsford since 2005 and I find this chair reserving that begins as much as 10 days before the parade selfish and ridiculous. Folks need to walk on the sidewalks and the town needs to mow the grass. If I as a disabled resident can be courteous enough to wait until the day to find a place to be for the parade, surely you can! You know who you are!"

Bill McCann: "Who cares? I grew up right off of North Road and I like seeing the chairs. It reminds me of the parade and gets me excited for it. Everyone else is complaining over nothing. The town faces much worse issues that actually effect the town negatively."

So what is your take on leaving chairs out far in advance of the Fourth of July parade? Do you like the tradition? Or do you think it's gotten out of hand? Keep the conversation going in the comments section below.