Traditional Modesto holiday parade to return, for now, with these COVID precautions
Modesto plans to bring back its traditional Celebration of Lights parade Dec. 4, the city announced Thursday, after the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a modified drive-through version last year.
Spectators once again may watch holiday floats parade downtown, but the city will monitor state COVID-19 guidance for any new safety rules, Recreation and Neighborhood Services manager Ashley Weaver said.
“We’re very hopeful that we’re going to be able to have this parade and celebrate with the community, but also cognizant of the fact that depending on any guidance changes, it may become a reality that we do not get to,” Weaver said.
Modesto will tentatively require masks for parade participants who are unvaccinated or cannot maintain social distance, per the city website. But the city does not plan to verify participants’ vaccination status at this point, Weaver said.
If someone riding in or walking with a float does not wear a mask, the city will assume they are vaccinated, said Deputy City Manager Caluha Barnes.
The city plans to communicate the importance of COVID-19 safety to spectators, Barnes said, adding that Modesto has more control over participants than people in the streets. Modesto does not plan to require masks for spectators, though.
The parade counts as an outdoor mega event with at least 10,000 people under current state COVID-19 guidance, per the city website. For such events, the California Department of Public Health recommends attendees provide proof of vaccination or a negative test and event operators not accept self-attestation for verification.
For the first time, parade participants also may not throw or hand out any candy or favors this year, Weaver said. The city has required prior approval for handouts in the past, but Weaver said coronavirus concerns are one reason for the ban. In past years, parade participants throwing candy has caused safety issues because children run into the streets to pick it up.
No other COVID-19 safety precautions are planned and Modesto will check for updates to state guidance, Weaver said. Current recommendations last through Nov. 1 and the state said it will assess the need for measures thereafter.
Modesto decided against repeating last year’s stationary floats because the city could not get the number of people it wanted to drive through during the event’s time frame, Weaver said. Some people posted on social media they waited an hour because of the traffic backup, The Bee previously reported.
Volunteers needed for Modesto parade
Like every year, the city needs 200 volunteers for the holiday parade, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 4, Weaver said. Volunteers can sign up on the city website.
The 2021 theme is hometown traditions. Examples for float designs include graffiti and the Modesto Arch.
Float registration is first come, first served, and open until Nov. 12. Applicants must pay a $20 late fee if applying after Oct. 29, however. Applications are available on the city website.
For more information about the parade, call the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department at 209-577-5344 or e-mail Tony Amaral at tamaral@modestogov.com.
This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
