4:00p Update: Auburn’s annual holiday parade will take place, despite an earlier announcement from the Auburn Downtown Partnership that it would be cancelled due to not having enough city staff to properly ensure the nighttime event could take place safely.
In a press release, the city announced that the parade will indeed take place on November 29 with a few changes. Firstly, the parade will now begin at 3:30p when there is more daylight. Secondly, there will be minor adjustments to the parade route. Finally, the policy prohibiting candy from being thrown from floats will be strictly enforced.
“After careful consideration of community feedback and collaboration with local officials, the City of Auburn is announcing the return of the annual Downtown Holiday Parade this year.”
The city also said it has received offers from organizations offering to volunteer to assist with crowd control during the parade. Interested organizations should contact Auburn Police Chief Matt Androsko at [email protected].
Parade registrations will become available on the city’s website on Monday.
Auburn will not have a winter holiday parade this year, but the celebrations will continue.
The Auburn Downtown Partnership (formerly the Business Improvement District) announced that the city and partnership “currently lack[s] the staffing and resources required to securely manage the traditional downtown holiday parade route during evening hours.” Because of this, they believe it is necessary to cancel the parade and replace it with new holiday events, as they cannot adequately handle the challenges of a nighttime parade.
“By making this difficult but necessary adjustment, we can concentrate on hosting events that are safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone,” the ADP said.
Replacing the parade will be a new downtown tree lighting. A partnership between the ADP, the parks & recreation department, and AT Walley’s, the new event will take place from 4:00-6:00p on November 29 at the State Street Event Plaza at 1 State Street. The partnership said more details will be shared soon.
The annual Holiday Traditions event, organized by the Historic & Cultural Sites Commission, will still take place on December 14. The Equal Rights Heritage has planned a day filled with music and family fun, including a visit from Santa Claus. Holiday Traditions will run from 12:00-5:30p and more details will be released soon.
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