Despite best efforts, the annual Emporia Christmas Parade is now off the community calendar this year.
The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce announced the decision Wednesday afternoon due to the overwhelming spike in coronavirus cases recently. The chamber had formulated plans to still hold the parade this year in a reverse format with spectators parading down the street to view the stationary floats.
In a news release Chamber President and CEO Jeanine McKenna stated, “Even though we felt we had come up with a soundproof plan for people to still celebrate the holiday season, we know that human nature is for people to chat and visit with people they see out and about.”
Chamber Board Chair Kala Maxfield stated; “While this year has been different all around, I am confident we will all be able to gather and celebrate again someday soon. Let’s all do our best to support our local businesses and get through this historic pandemic together.”
McKenna is scheduled to join KVOE’s 7:10 am Newscast Thursday to further discuss the cancelation.
