Since its inception in 1891, the Rose Parade has only not occurred only three times during the wartime years of 1942, 1943 and 1945.
Organizers said today they have canceled the 2021 Rose Parade because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on long-range planning for the New Year’s Day tradition.
The Pasadena, California, Tournament of Roses Association said the decision was put off until organizers were certain that safety restrictions would prevent staging of the 132nd parade.
“After careful consideration, thoughtful consideration with the current restrictions and ordinances that are in place due to COVID, and then the governor’s Stage IV reopening plans, we just felt that there was no way that we’d be able to host a Rose Parade this year,” said David Eads, the CEO and executive director of the Tournament of Roses.
He cited safety as a concern.
The iconic event on Colorado Boulevard draws thousands of attendees each year, along with many volunteers who spend countless hours building the floats and the numerous people who are in the parade.
“It’s really the safety of the general public and all of our members, our partners that has to be a priority. And it’s really hard to do this year,” Eads said.
With tremendous disappointment, we are unable to host the 2021 #RoseParade. We will miss the joy of coming together for the Rose Parade, but will not miss this opportunity to celebrate a New Year & healthy new beginnings on January 1. READ MORE: https://t.co/ZRxXhxNWKF pic.twitter.com/YbobU3PmmZ
— Rose Parade (@RoseParade) July 15, 2020
The association said it is still looking to have some type of New Year’s celebration that, like the parade, will be broadcast globally.
“We may not be able to host our traditional five-mile march down Colorado Boulevard, but we are exploring new and safe ways we can collectively share in the celebration, and we look forward to announcing further details about our exciting new plans in the coming weeks,” read a statement from the Tournament of Roses Association.
Plans for the annual Rose Bowl, which is slated to be a semifinal game for the College Football Playoffs, are still going forward.
Organizers said they are still hopeful that the Grandaddy of Them All will take place as scheduled, but noted they are still working with the collegiate football officials and partners as the upcoming football season begins to take shape.