Another of SC’s largest cities cancels its holiday parade because of COVID-19

Don’t look for Santa on Main Street in Greenville this year. He’s not coming.

The City of Greenville announced Thursday that its annual Christmas parade is canceled.

A news release from the city called it a difficult decision.

“The health and safety of Greenville residents and visitors is our top priority,” the release said. “Given the number of people this popular event attracts each year, it would be impossible for us to ensure attendees maintain the recommended social distance.”

Greenville has held the parade for about 100 years, Beth Brotherton, communications director the city, said. It was started sometime in the 1920s as a traditional parade with bands and beauty queens and became more commercial in the 1980s.

The city is working on other events to help downtown businesses through the holiday season. The events will be announced by the end of November.

Brotherton said they are talking about having light competitions in neighborhoods and window decorations in businesses. Also, children and non-profits may be asked to create art displays.

The city has extended its Saturday farmer’s market and is calling it TD Essential Market - Holiday Edition. It is held every Saturday on a closed Main Street. The ice skating rink will be open with limited capacity.

The St. Francis Foundation Festival of Trees will be held as usual with decorated trees in three downtown hotels, the Hyatt, Courtyard Marriott and Embassy Suites. The foundation’s kickoff event Martinis and Mistletoe will be virtual and the annual Teddy Bear Luncheon will be a drive-through toy drive from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 5.

Greenville won’t be the only South Carolina city foregoing its traditional holiday parade during the pandemic. Columbia recently announced it was canceling the capital city’s annual Carolina Carillon parade, which is typically held shortly after Thanksgiving.

This story was originally published October 15, 2020 at 11:15 AM.