Carriage parades this year to undergo changes
Three parades, rather than the two traditionally held, are scheduled during this year’sHorse-DrawnCarriage Parade and Christmas Festival on Dec. 5 in Lebanon.
“Due to the COVID Pandemic, we will not be able to have our normal Carriage Parade and Festival. Butwe have developed alternate plans (that were approved bytheWarrenCountyHealth Commissioner), so that we can still give our community and tourists a ‘SafeHoliday Tradition,’ ” a message on the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce website said.
“We ask that everyone please help us keep this event safe by following ALL of the expected rules and regulations that have been established this year. We hope to resume our normal Carriage Parade and Festival in 2021.”
Thechamberwebsite indicates that, in order to comply with theWarren County Health Department mandates only 40 horse-drawn carriageswill join the parade procession. More than 100 register during a typical year.
Also, “in order to help reducethecrowdsize,” three parades are scheduled. The parades will begin at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
In addition, the parade route will be shortened.
“Spectators will not be able to set chairs out/rope off sections/etc. to reserve a spot along the parade route,” the chamber message said. “Such items will be removed and disposed of should this occur.”
The chamber is offering reserved box seating for $200 for each parade on the route on both sides of Broadway between Main and Mulberry streets.
“Spectators will not be allowed to view the parade in this block unless you are in a designated seating box.”
Boxes are to measure 5 feet in length and 6 feet in depth and be set up 6 feet apart. The boxes are expected to fit six chairs or be used for standing room.
Masks will be required when people cannot socially distance from 6 feet apart. A select number of vendors will be able to be set up 10 feet apart.