Santa Claus may have some problems coming to town for local parades this year.
The Historic Downtown Chatham BIA has cancelled this year’s Santa Claus Parade due to ongoing concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The local Business Improvement Association plans to get creative and create some virtual contesting, allowing local residents the chance to win prizes while supporting local merchants.
“There is no way to social distance 3,000 to 5,000 people and the current mandate is max. 25 people outdoors,” reads a social media post from event organizers. “Knowing that, we have a few ideas to do a Month-of-Santa with contest/prizes and hopefully end with a spot with Santa up in his sleigh. We all know what we really want is to get up and close with Santa but this is a ‘special’ year that hopefully only occurs this year. Just let the kiddies know that Santa will be at their house when it’s most important – Christmas Morning!”
The jolly old elf himself is still expected to be visiting Chatham throughout the holiday season.