The usual celebrations that Hopkinsville has for Christmas, including the new reverse Christmas Parade and the Skatin’ on the Square, has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
According to a news release, the decision goes along with guidelines set down by the state to help stop the spread of the virus, even though it was not made lightly. The Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting, will go virtual on Friday, December 11 and not be open to the public. The HES-EnergyNet Parade, which had been converted to a reverse parade, is canceled altogether and will not be held.
Complete refunds will be issued to all groups and organizations that already paid their float entry fee and toys that were donated will be transferred to the Hopkinsville Fire Department’s Christmas for Kids program.
Superintendent Tab Brockman says, “With COVID cases reaching record numbers locally and statewide, the decision to cancel Hopkinsville’s Christmas Parade and Skatin’ on the Square was made with public safety first in mind. This decision was reached unanimously in conjunction with city officials and sponsors, and after conversations with multiple parade participants. We are all disappointed to have to pause these wonderful local Christmas activities, but look forward to the return of the HES Christmas Parade in traditional fashion and other festivities in 2021.”