The 2020 Santa Claus Parade in Fort Macleod has been cancelled (Fort Macleod Santa Claud Parade on Facebook)

By Justin Goulet

2020 Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade cancelled

Nov 19, 2020 | 11:40 AM

FORT MACLEOD, AB – Some unfortunate holiday news has come out from Fort Macleod.

The annual Santa Claus Parade has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I had high hopes that we were going to be able to pull this off and provide some normalcy to our community,” said parade coordinator Ashley Nelson.

She said a lot of work, planning and effort went into the event to ensure all COVID-19 safety protocols could be followed.

However, due to the recent spike in cases in the province and South Health Zone, as well as enhanced restrictions and guidelines imposed by health officials, Nelson said they could not “in good conscience” risk the spread of infection.

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“I wish to thank town council for supporting our reverse parade idea when we first approached them and express my understanding that circumstances have now changed that are out of any of our control,” she said.

“I am grateful to our parade committee members and volunteers for all their efforts in planning this event and willingness to help on parade day. It wouldn’t be possible each year without them!”

Nelson also thanked everyone who registered and planned to have a float in the parade.

The what-would-have been 39^th annual event would have seen a theme of “A Hollywood Christmas”.

The parade would have been held in reverse, where the floats and participants would be stationary along the parade route of 24^th Street. Spectators would have remained in their vehicles and drive by the floats.

“I completely understand and empathize with the disappointment we all feel to be unable to attend our Santa Claus Parade as we do each year with our families and friends,” she said.

The plan, as of now, is to hold the parade next year on Saturday, November 27 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

“We have had generous donations of candy for the treat bags for children and I thank all of our sponsors for those offerings as well as for the financial support for the parade,” she said.

Nelson said they plan to have Santa make a socially distanced stop at local regional schools to deliver those goodies to children and “bring some smiles to their faces.”

Any other donations sent to the parade will help cover costs incurred so far and be used for next year, unless instructed otherwise by the donor.