Grimsby has formally cancelled its annual Santa Claus Parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the town will create a replacement event, town officials announced yesterday.
“While we are disappointed that the parade cannot proceed in its usual fashion in 2020, our committee is working hard with local partners, parade participants and public health authorities to bring the spirit of the parade to Grimsby in 2020,” said Grimby’s Parade Chair Robin Bradley.
The committee said the alternative event will allow the community to celebrate the spirit of the parade, but in a way that ensures the safety and well-being of Grimsby residents.
Earlier in October, in an interview Niagara Info, Trevor Ruzylo, Grimsby’s Supervisor of Recreation, said residents will get an update soon on what a replacement event will be. “Stay tuned,” he said.
Grimsby is not the only town to cancel its parade. It joins Lincoln and West Lincoln. They are also considering alternative events.
Smithville cancelled its parade in August. The town is well known for having the “biggest little town parade around”. 2020 would have been the parade’s 30th year.
Pelham’s Christmas parade is currently still set to run. Though, it will look very different this year. A reverse parade model has been proposed for 2020.
The parade will feature static floats that will be positioned along a route from Canboro Road to Centennial Park in Fenwick. Parade goers will be able to drive in their cars around the floats to maintain social distancing guidelines.
Pelham’s plan remains contigent on regulations set by the the province and the Niagara Region Public Health.
West Niagara residents who are willing to travel can also visit Niagara Falls. It will still run its parade this year. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 3-5 p.m. in downtown Niagara Falls. The city has has advertised a new format for the parade to ensure the city abides by the province’s COVID-19 rules.
As for all communities in West Niagara, once each town has made plans for replacement events, Niagara Info will let readers know.