Northside's Fourth of July Parade, a long-running summertime tradition, has been canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Organizers announced the news in a press release on the morning of May 1, explaining that they cannot guarantee the well-being of the community and parade attendees due to the virus so they have decided to cancel it.
“We’re looking for alternatives to the parade so we can celebrate together, but the health and well-being of our attendees, volunteers, and the community at large are bigger than any parade,” said Neil Spataro, this year’s parade chair, in the release.
“We’ll be back in 2021 with a bigger, crazier, more outlandish and more exciting parade, but right now, we’re acknowledging that we can’t throw the city’s biggest 4th of July party and do right by our community.”
The annual Northside Fourth of July Parade, which has happened every year since 1970 despite weather conditions, is an all-out celebration of independence, community, small business and individuality. Thousands line Hamilton Avenue to watch creative handmade floats from vintage stores, bars and community organizations; local marching bands; drill teams; every politician you’ve ever heard of; ladies dancing with lawn chairs; guys dancing with power tools; and other unexpected and delightful displays of pride and spirit.
The parade's associated Northside Rock N' Roll Carnival — a multi-day circus of live music, local beer, food trucks, family fun and sideshow acts — has also been canceled.
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For more info about the parade's plans, follow the Northside 4th of July Parade's Facebook page.
