Youngsville plans on holding its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday (December 5) despite state orders against large gatherings.
"We have received overwhelming support from the community to continue," town officials said in a statement. "Please know we do not take this decision lightly, and that we have carefully weighed many factors in our decision to proceed."
Local health officials, however, have threatened to invoke an order that will stop the parade unless it complies with state orders. Franklin County Health Director Scott LaVigne sent an email to Youngsville Town Administrator Phillip Cordiero last month advising him to cancel the parade. On Wednesday (December 3), he sent another asking for leaders to "significantly alter" the event.
"We appeal to the Town of Youngsville's primary responsibility in the matter: the safety of its residents and others who may participate in and/or attend this Town-Sponsored parade," said LaVigne.
Town officials said their decision was swayed by the number of people who wanted the parade to continue as well as officials' "confidence that residents will make responsible choices for themselves and their families."
The town asks that anyone attending the parade wear facial coverings and that those who have COVID-19 symptoms or have come into contact with anyone who tested positive to not attend.
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