Organizers Cancel KV, Hampton Santa Claus Parades

On the heels of both Saint John parades being cancelled, the 2020 Kennebecasis Valley Santa Claus parade has also been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Provincial public health officials do not want communities encouraging any activity that draws a crowd which cancels the community’s traditional parade which attracts thousands of people to watch along Hampton Road.

“We are disappointed that Santa Claus won’t be coming to town this year,” said Quispamsis Mayor Gary Clark. “The safety of our residents is our top priority. Holding a parade during a pandemic violates all physical-distancing guidelines. It is just not practical this year.”

“The parade is an important part of the holiday season for the citizens of our town,” said Rothesay Mayor Nancy Grant. “We are saddened we are not able to proceed with a parade this year, but we cannot go against the provincial government’s pandemic protocols.”

This year’s parade would have been the 22nd edition. It’s a joint effort by the towns of Quispamsis and Rothesay to host it every year.

Meanwhile, the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce has also decided to cancel this year’s Santa Claus parade because of COVID-19.

“While we look forward to this event each year, public safety is our number one priority,” the chamber said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.