BONNYVILLE – Santa Claus won’t be making a trip down main street this year.
The Town of Bonnyville and City of Cold Lake both announced on Nov. 25 that their reverse parades have been cancelled.
“Due to the new restrictions brought into force this week by the province to combat COVID-19, we just can’t plan for events such as a reverse parade given the limits on outdoor gatherings, social distancing requirements, and so on,” detailed Town of Bonnyville CAO Bill Rogers.
Premier Jason Kenney outlined a number of different protocols on Nov. 24 that were being put in place, including a limit of 10 people at outdoor social gatherings and a ban on all indoor and outdoor festivals and events.
Town council opted to go with a reverse parade earlier this month, which would have been Santa and other floats arranged in the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre’s parking lot on Friday, Dec. 4.
Although they cancelled St. Nick’s trip to town before Christmas, Rogers noted the municipality is looking at options to host other holiday-themed events.
“The Town of Bonnyville is going to continue to explore creative options with our community partners that still allow us to put on some sort of COVID-19 friendly event. Council continues to support the chief medical officer of health’s measures to combat COVID-19.”
The City of Cold Lake announced in a post on social media their decision to cancel their Santa Claus Parade, which was slated to go ahead on Nov. 27.
“The parade is an annual tradition enjoyed by many in our community and while this news is disappointing, the decision was made with the health and safety of the people of Cold Lake and all Albertans, top of mind,” the statement read. “We appreciate your understanding and look forward to continuing the tradition next holiday season.”
