TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. — The annual Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. This is the first time in the parade's 70 year history that it has been canceled for anything beyond weather.
"The safety of the residents and the participants in the parade are our primary concern, and because of that, a very difficult decision had to be made. The parade will return next year and be better than ever," Kenmore Mayor Pat Mang said in a press release.
Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger stated in the press release that there had been talks about having the parade on the Fourth of July instead. He added that the problem would be that many Memorial Day parade participants already have plans for other parades on the Fourth.
The West Seneca Veterans committee also announced Friday that West Seneca's annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, scheduled for May 25, is also canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
Niagara Falls became the latest community to cancel its parade, making that announcement over the weekend.
Niagara Falls leaders announced that they made the tough decision to call off the community memorial day parade there, in part because they want to think of the health of the older veterans who take part.
They're planning a bigger and better parade next year.
