THUNDER BAY – Not even jolly old Saint Nick himself can escape pandemic fallout.
Because of gathering restrictions imposed province-wide, and the uncertainty of where COVID-19 numbers will be in mid-November, the Fort William Rotary Club has decided to cancel this year’s Rotary Santa Claus Parade.
It’s disappointing, said parade chair Dawn Sebesta on Tuesday, announcing the difficult decision to cancel the popular event for 2020.
“We’ve been talking about the Rotary Santa Claus Parade for probably the last month, trying to make a decision what to do. We ended up contacting the city and they contacted the Thunder Bay (District) Health Unit, and we’ve come to the conclusion that with the COVID-19 restrictions that it’s just not possible because it falls under the social gathering clause of Phase 3,” Sebesta said.
Under newly announced regulations, outdoor gatherings are now limited to 25 or fewer people, while indoor gatherings are restricted to 10 or fewer.
There was just no way to guarantee social distancing along the parade route, Sebesta said.
“We’ve kind of gone backward on that anyway and there’s no way we’d be able to have those crowds out on the streets. Regretfully, and we’re very regretful because we were really hoping to have this – we thought it would be such a nice thing for families with everything going on – that we have to cancel it this year,” she said.
“We’re going to go full force in 2021.”
Sebesta said she’s hopeful the event can be held next year, saying it’s a year away and a lot can happen between now and then.
“It’s very disappointing, especially for me. It’s one of my favourite things to do throughout our Rotary year, to work on this. I’ve managed the floats the last couple of years and I’ve met a lot of nice people and it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “So I’m very disappointed – and I’m disappointed for the families.”
The website for the Parade of Lights still indicates it will be going forward on Dec. 5. A request for confirmation to parade organizers has been made.
