Albany, Leesburg Christmas parades impacted by expected inclement weather
Albany Christmas parade rescheduled to Dec. 15, “Spirit of Christmas Parade and Festival” in Leesburg canceled
By Jennifer Parks
ALBANY — Officials in both Albany and Leesburg have announced that a high chance of rain for Saturday would be impacting the plans for their Christmas parades.
Lee County Chamber of Commerce Vice President Lisa Davis told The Albany Herald that Leesburg’s “Spirit of Christmas Parade and Festival,” which would have been Saturday morning, is not likely to happen this year at all.
Albany officials made an announcement about the city’s parade, originally set to take place Saturday evening, late Thursday stating that it had been postponed due to expected inclement weather.
Phyllis Banks, spokeswoman for the Albany Police Department, said city officials would be meeting to determine when would be the best time to hold the annual event. Albany officials have now set the date for Dec. 15, with pre-show entertainment starting at 5 p.m. at 225 Pine Ave. and the parade starting at 6 p.m.
The Christmas Village will be open on that date on the 100 block of Pine Avenue beginning at p.m.. Decorations, shops, holiday performances including strolling carolers, vendors and an appearance by Santa Claus will be included in the festivities.
The Movie in the Park, “Merry Madagascar” will be shown from 8-10 p.m. at Riverfront Park.
Davis confirmed that the Leesburg event had been canceled, and that there are several factors in play that will make it difficult to reschedule — including schedule conflicts later in the month.
“Due to the weather and (for the) safety of everyone, we have decided to cancel,” she said. “A quarter of our participants had already pulled out.”
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee shows a forecast for Albany of showers and a possible thunderstorm on Saturday, with a 90 percent chance of precipitation. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is predicted for the evening.
The parade and vendor application for the Albany parade is available at www.albanyga.gov for any businesses or organizations that would like to take part.
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