The Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce has canceled what was to be its 72nd annual Christmas Parade, which was scheduled for Nov. 30.
Tonda Breeze, the chamber’s executive director, said she made the decision to cancel the parade due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. She also sent an email to those registered to participate in the parade informing them of the cancellation.
“The difficult decision to cancel the parade was made after much consideration,” she said in the letter. “Notably, health officials have reported that Jefferson County re-entered the ‘red zone’ last week. This means there is uncontrolled and widespread community transmission. In addition, our community’s local hospital is near capacity and has tightened visitor restrictions.”
She said the chamber hopes to bring back the Christmas Parade next year.
“We understand the disappointment with canceling the parade and apologize for any inconvenience,” she said. “Together, we can look forward to this beloved community tradition returning in 2021.”
The parade typically proceeds along Bailey Road in Crystal City and Main Street in Festus.
