There has been a lot of negative comments left on Social Media following the decision to postpone the Christmas on the Canal Parade of Lights and FRABA Tree Lighting.
The decision to do so was not one made lightly. It involved following the weather forecast which called for mixed precipitation and organizers knowing it meant a two week delay in the celebration for the community. There was an advent celebration at the local churches on Dec. 2 and organizers didn’t want to bump up against that.
The fact a tragedy occurred the night before in Yarmouth where a young four-year-old girl lost her life in what is supposed to be family fun also weighed heavily and dampened the joyous mood for all.
It was the right choice to step back, give that family that was grieving some respect and also look at measures to put in place to ensure the safety of all—but especially kids—participating and walking in the Fall River parade.
Now that’s being proactive in my books, and maybe measures other parades can look at as well.
In the end, no matter the decision the organizers made it would be just like that of school boards they can’t win either way and some people would complain.
But the difference between school boards making the call and organizers with the Parade of Lights and tree lighting are that the latter are volunteers.
The main thing with the decision made in this case is that safety of all was a top priority. And for that we should applaud those who made the tough call to postpone.
See you all on Dec. 9 at Christmas on the Canal Parade of Lights and FRABA Tree Lighting to celebrate the holidays!
