KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The annual downtown Kalamazoo holiday parade is the latest event to be canceled over COVID-19 concerns.
The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership said Tuesday that the event involves large gatherings, which are considered a health risk to the public at this time.
Additionally, the Holly Jolly Trolley will not be available this year for the same reasons.
However, officials with the Partnership say they are working on a different type of holiday event this year.
“We are working with our community partners, leadership network and businesses to create a new and different holiday experience Downtown,” Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership Events Director Sue Huggett said. “We are in the planning stages to create new and unique experiences for the community. Our team believes this is an opportunity to innovate, be creative, and explore new ideas, programming, and initiatives to bring our community together and celebrate the holiday season.”
Among the ideas being discussed are enhanced lighting, expanded decorations, changes to Santa’s Workshop, new business-focused initiatives and socially-distant attractions. Downtown visitors can and should still expect a full schedule of initiatives and events during the holiday season, according to the organization.
“We can’t wait to announce this year’s holiday program, which will incorporate so may new ideas developed by our community members,” Huggett added. “We think this year’s holiday season will be our best year yet.”
Updates can be found by visiting the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership website.
