As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saint John Santa Claus Parade and the Lancaster Santa Claus Parade have been cancelled for 2020.
On October 19, the Santa Claus Parade Committee’s final and definitive decision regarding the 2020 parade was announced on their official Facebook page.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that the 68th Annual Saint John [Santa Claus Parade] and the Annual Lancaster Santa Claus Parade will be cancelled for the 2020 season,” the announcement read. “We must always act on the side of safety and this is what are we doing.”
The update ends with a hopeful message of a “bigger and better” parade in the 2021 season, and wishing everyone a safe and healthy Christmas season.
Disappointed public
While there were a few comments in support of the decision and suggestions to maintain social distancing while enjoying the parade, such as a drive-by, many people are quite upset with the final decision.
Behind the scenes
Blaine Harris, the administrator for the parades, has stated that they are not cancelling the parade due to the recent outbreak, but because they cannot meet the necessary regulations to do the parade safely.
He also mentioned they tried to make the parade work but there is much behind the parade that it may seem.
“It’s more than masks and social distancing,” Harris said.
KV Parade announces cancellation
The Kennebecasis Valley Santa Claus Parade subsequently announced the cancellation of their parade through their Facebook page on Tuesday, October 20.
The Facebook post mentions the new guidelines “put an end to the traditional parade” since it attracts large crowds.
The Rothesay Mayor, Nancy Grant, claims that they “are saddened (they) are not able to proceed with a parade this year, but (they) cannot go against the provincial government’s pandemic protocols”.
