The annual Duncan Christmas Parade was canceled Thursday afternoon because of concerns surrounding COVID-19 and the number of rising cases.
The parade, which was set for Saturday, is a tradition in Duncan, going back about 35 years. The theme was going to be “Christmas Movies.”
“The reason the parade was canceled is because we can’t make people wear masks,” Main Street Duncan Executive Director Destiny Ahlfenger said.
On Thursday, the Main Street Duncan Board of Directors made the decision to cancel this year’s parade.
In a press release from Main Street Duncan, Board President Nate Schacht talked about the need to cancel this year’s parade.
“On behalf of the Duncan Main Street Board of Directors, it is with heavy heart that we have decided to cancel the traditional Main Street Christmas Parade,” Schacht said. “It was a decision that was made in the best of interest for our citizens and community guests, and as an alternative to the traditional parade, we will be accepting photos from those that were going to enter the parade with floats and/or add a ‘People’s Choice’ category where we invite citizens to vote by using the ‘like’ button on the photos submitted.
“Also, for those that would like to showcase their floats and/or vehicles for public view we will allow parking within the downtown district. We encourage social distancing and use of masks while viewing the hard work that has gone into making the float and/or preparing the vehicle for show. As with all Main Street Duncan events, our mission is to raise consumer awareness of the great business that exist in the Heart of Duncan.”
Ahlfenger said she hopes the parade will return to normal next year. Typically, the parade draws large crows, including about 2,000 in 2019.
