THE SIDELINES : Atlanta Stages Olympic Parade

Olympic fever was rampant in the Georgia capital today as Atlanta staged its first ticker-tape parade to celebrate its designation as host of the 1996 Summer Games.

Thousands of spectators lined the parade route, pelting Mayor Maynard Jackson and other dignitaries with confetti and streamers as they rode by.

“I’m the guy who’s got to clean this stuff up,” Jackson laughed as he and his wife, Valerie, tried to brush the paper from their hair.

Police estimated that 50,000 people had gathered for the parade by 11:30 a.m. EDT. Atlanta schools excused children from class to attend, with parental approval.