On Monday, November 23rd Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson issued a written statement that the Town of Jonesboro would not be a participant in the 2020 Christmas Parade. As result, the annual event sponsored by the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) that was scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 28thhas been cancelled.
JPCC Director Wilda Smith immediately followed up by announcing that those who have paid to enter the parade will receive refunds and encouraged would be visitors to still come and enjoy the Christmas Fesitival events scheduled for the day that will go on as planned, just without a parade.
There will still be the lights, Santa, fireworks, shopping, lots of food available and music for your enjoyment. Jon Sorenson (guitar & saxaphone) & Paul Tassin (piano/keyboard) will be playing & singing Christmas songs beginning at 2:00 PM outside the North entrance to the Jackson Parish Courthouse.
Statement issued by Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson:
From the Office of Mayor Thompson:
It is the order of the office of Governor John Bel Edwards that due to the drastic increase in the pandemic there would be no parades or large crowds assembled. The CDC lists attending parades, shopping in crowded stores or being a spectator in a crowded race as among the higher risk activities for exposure to the Coronavirus.
For this reason, The Town of Jonesboro, in our efforts to provide the greatest protection for our citizens and to comply with the governor’s order will be unable to participate in the 2020 Christmas parade. Public works will not put up barricades or provide the services which would normally be provided by the Town. We apologize for having to take this action but are left with no alternative given the situation with the virus being worse than it’s been at any time since it started.
Leslie Thompson – Mayor of Jonesboro
Christmas Parade at State Park this Friday still a go
As of Monday, November 23rd, the Christmas Parade that is being sponsored by the North Louisiana Camping Club and scheduled to be held at the Jimmie Davis State Park this Friday, November 27th is still a go!
Per host Trish McGraw Smith campers at the park will enjoy the parade free of charge while all others will be charged a fee of $3.00 at the office of the main entrance to the park. Due to the quickly changing scenarios involving the Coronavirus across the state it is recommended that before you make plans to attend you contact the Jimmie Davis State Park office to ensure the parade will still take place.