12/10/2022
The Rotary Clubs of Plano along with the City of Plano are very excited about the return of the long-standing tradition of parades to the City. We have been monitoring the weather for today’s parade very closely for the past week.
After consulting with the Plano Office of Emergency Management, there is a high potential for rain, thunderstorms with possible lightning this morning during the scheduled hours of the parade and Holiday festival.
Therefore, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the 2022 Holiday Parade and Festival.
The decision was made to cancel the Holiday Parade and Festival for the following logistical reasons:
If lightning is present in the area, parade participants on the parade route would not be able to seek shelter in a safe or timely manner.
• Potential thunderstorms and/or lightning could endanger participants riding on parade floats.
• The staging areas at the beginning and end of the parade are heavily concentrated with participants and vehicles and would take time to evacuate.
• Parade attendees that are currently lining the streets would not be able to seek shelter quickly, if needed.
• If the parade was canceled halfway through, there would be no reunification process for students/children and their parents.
• Many parade units and cars driving in the parade have already been canceled due to concerns with the weather.
Parade committee volunteers are currently notifying parade units and individuals that are signed up for the parade and Festival of the cancellation.
We understand the amount of time and work that goes into each parade unit, and we share everyone’s disappointment in this outcome. However, with the information provided to the Rotary Clubs of Plano by Plano Office of Emergency Management, we do not feel confident that the parade would be safe for participants or attendees. Unfortunately, we cannot negotiate with mother nature, and it is our responsibility to ensure public safety above all else.
The Rotary Clubs of Plano thanks the City of Plano, our sponsors, participants and volunteers for their full support and we appreciate everyone's understanding in this decision. We hope to see you all next year for the 2023 July 4th and Holiday Parades.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF Rotary Club
