OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Omaha's Labor Day Parade has been canceled due to the coronavirus.
The annual tradition has been around since the first Septemberfest celebration in 1977, but because of the uncertainty of the trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic, the board voted to cancel the parade for the first time in 43 years.
"We have too many people in a confined area at the same time," said Terry Moore, President of Septemberfest, Inc.
Around 7,500 people typically march in the parade, and as many as 35,000 spectators watch the procession. According to Moore, the parade is one of the largest parades of the year in the region and among the largest in the nation on Labor Day.
"It's heartbreaking to postpone this tradition until next year, but the health of our parade participants and spectators is the most important factor for us to consider," Moore said.
Other Septemberfest activities are still planned to go on for now, though increased safety measures are planned. Septemberfest is a four-day event over the Labor Day weekend and will take place this year on September 4-7.
