Fair Saint Louis, Fourth of July parade canceled because of coronavirus pandemic
Two of St. Louis’ annual Independence Day celebrations have been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, event organizers announced Friday.
This year would have marked Fair Saint Louis’ 40th anniversary and the 138th anniversary of America’s Birthday Parade, the annual Fourth of July parade. The events were scheduled to take place July 2-4 in downtown St. Louis.
David Estes, chairman of Fair Saint Louis, said organizers decided to cancel the events for the “safety of our community.”
“While we are saddened to cancel two of our region’s most popular and free Fourth of July celebrations, the safety of our community is of utmost importance to us,” Estes said in a statement. “Fair Saint Louis and America’s Birthday Parade embody the prideful spirit of our city, and over the past few weeks, we’ve seen that spirit shine so brightly within our community as we face this unthinkable challenge together.”
David Plufka, chairman of the parade, said organizers look forward to celebrating “when the time is right.”
“Until then, please stay safe and be mindful of the health and safety of others. We are in this together and we will get through this together,” Plufka said.
