The Santa Claus Parade in Chatham is being cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social gathering restrictions.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is not issuing permits for traditional parades because crowds cannot be controlled and it is nearly impossible for volunteers to check for vaccination status.
In Chatham, the parade is usually held on the Friday after Remembrance Day, but not this year. The Historic Downtown Chatham BIA has cancelled the 2021 Santa Claus parade.
"We certainly had full intention of moving forward with the parade this year," said Nancy Dudley, co-chair of the BIA. "This is all about public safety and following the rules put in place for us to adhere to."
The BIA said board members have been looking at alternative options for a festive event, but trying to work within restriction guidelines has been challenging.
"We're taking a look at all of the options and are hoping we can do something that brings a little festive cheer to the downtown," said Dudley.
CK Co-ordinator of Active Transportation and Special Events Genevieve Champagne said the municipality will issue specific permits but not for traditional parades. She said the municipality will be working with communities in Chatham-Kent to create "COVID-friendly" parades.
"So far, we have been working with the Wallaceburg committee and the Chatham parade as well," said Champagne.
According to Step 3 of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopening, a municipality can have up to 100 people on municipal property at one time.
Champagne said with the COVID-19 precautions, the municipality would have to fence off the event completely with designated entries and exists or have volunteers ensure the event does not exceed the 100 person limit.
"It's really difficult to do this with a parade, it isn't feasible," said Champagne. "We have offered some solutions to this problem to assist organizers with planning something acceptable to take in the public health precautions."
Alternative opportunities include reverse parades, scattered or stationary parades, and small Santa cruises.
"We want to work with each community to ensure something happens this year."