On Wednesday, the City of Covington announced its annual Christmas parade had been cancelled due to health and safety concerns.
“After consultation today with our parade coordinator and public safety chiefs, we feel the risks are greater than the benefit,” said mayor Justin Hanson. “With the county executive’s mask mandate now in effect, our staff will have a great deal of difficulty making sure proper social distancing and safety precautions are practiced.”
Hanson continued to say the decision to cancel the parade was difficult, but “one we feel necessary.”
Mason, Munford and Brighton have all held parades this last week and Atoka has also hosted a tree-lighting ceremony. Dickens Christmas on the square is still planned to take place.
Santa’s Ride in Atoka still on
Thursday, the Santa’s Ride event, in which Santa is paraded through the subdivisions on a fire truck, is set to begin. The two-day event will continue Saturday, Dec. 12 and Tipton County GIS has coordinated with the town to provide live Santa tracking. Check the town’s website, townofatoka.com, for more.
This year, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, there will be no meet and greet with Santa.
The Town of Garland will also be hosting a parade this year. It will take place on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
