SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — While many holiday events will go on this season despite the pandemic, one San Diego tradition is taking a break this year.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, scheduled for Dec. 13 and 20, has been canceled this year. Organizers said the decision was made due to the rise in coronavirus cases.
"We are sad to announce that due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, this year’s San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is cancelled," a statement on the parade's website read. "We are disappointed that the parade cannot take place this year but we would like to do our part to minimize the spread of the virus. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. See you next year!"
The parade, which was looking forward to its 49th year, routinely brings crowds of more than 100,000 San Diegans to the bay over two weekends to watch as nearly 100 boats sail through the bay, decked out in colorful lights and decorations.
"Our number one priority is safety and this year large crowds associated with the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights are not advisable due to the Covid-19 pandemic," said Parade Chairman Larry Baumann. "We know how much our residents and visitors love the parade and this was a very difficult decision. But in consulting with Port, City, County and State experts, canceling the parade was the right decision."
Originally, the parade anticipated changes due to the pandemic, nixing the parade's awards dinner due to public health orders.
San Diego County was put into California's purple reopening tier this month, the most restrictive, amid a surge in coronavirus cases across the state.
