Beckie Moore
Monday, November 23, 2020, Hope, AR, the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce made the decision to cancel the Christmas Parade that would have taken place on Monday, December 7, 2020.
In a statement issued by the chamber, they stated the following:
“Due to rising cases of COVID-19 as well as the growing number who are quarantined and/or isolated, the chamber made the decision to cancel the 2020 Christmas Parade. Although the chamber had proposed a different option for the parade, we had numerous groups, who typically participated in the parade, to notify us that they could not participate or felt they should not participate based on the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restrictions for each float made large group participation quite difficult. Gathering in groups to view the parade was also of great concern.”
Beckie Moore, chamber director went on to say, “The cancellation of the parade will cause many to be disappointed just as we are, but we know we made the best decision possible at this point in time. The board & I focused on the health and safety of our community.”
The chamber encourages everyone to enjoy the sites, sounds, lights and décor throughout our community. They also encourage everyone to stay healthy and safe during the upcoming holiday season.
“We are looking forward to 2021 and the return of longtime favorite events, activities and programs. These will only happen if our cases start to decline,” stated Moore.