Starkville’s annual Christmas parade will not be held this year after the threat of bad weather forced the Greater Starkville Development Partnership to cancel Monday’s event.
The parade, which was set to begin at 6 p.m., was canceled as a precaution, said GSDP Special Events Coordinator Jennifer Prather. The storm front could produce wind gusts in excess of 70 mph, said Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency Director Shank Phelps after a teleconference with the National Weather Service.
The event, themed Christmas in Paradise, will not be rescheduled.
“While we are disappointed, we aim to keep the safety and well-being of the community at the forefront,” Prather said via text. “The parade is a special event that wouldn’t be possible without collaboration from many community organizations. Unfortunately, we are unable to reschedule for a suitable date. We appreciate the support of the community for this event and wish everyone a merry Christmas in Paradise.”
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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