YORK, Pa. — The City of York and the York Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee have canceled the St. Patrick's Day parade set for Saturday due to health concerns related to COVID-19.
The decision comes on the heels of many other cancellations of St. Patrick's Day parades, closing of schools, and other precautions to prevent gatherings in large areas.
Here is an excerpt of the message released by the Parade Committee.
While we are disappointed to have to cancel, we are acting in the interest and well being of everyone. This outcome was not reached lightly. Rather, we weighed all options and came to the conclusion after receiving valuable input from health officials and viewing what is happening in other parts of Pennsylvania.
While the 2020 parade has been canceled, the York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will return next year with Grand Marshal Paddy Rooney and will be held on March 13, 2021.
As a result of this decision, all entry fees, sponsorships, and donations will be applied to the 2021 parade unless a refund is requested in writing by mail at YSPDP, P.O. Box 1043, York, PA 17405-1043, or email YorkStPatParade@gmail.com. We appreciate everyone’s understanding in this matter and look forward to seeing everyone next year.
York Mayor Mitchell Helfrich said the emergency declaration and the cancellation of the parade are precautions.
“This declaration in no way shuts down the city of York,” he said. “We are open for business.”
The mayor’s directive tells the City of York Emergency Management Coordinator and response team to coordinate the activities of the emergency response and to take all appropriate action needed to alleviate the effects of the disaster.
Helfrich said city offices will remain open and the city will continue to provide all the services that any city resident would expect.
York leaders urged city residents to rely on the CDC and Department of health websites for the most up to date information on the coronavirus.
