The series of events scheduled in Springboro for Memorial Day, May 25 this year, were canceled in part due to due to restrictions closing the schools and the sports field where they are traditionally held.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am cancelling the 2020 Memorial Day event, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This event would have been the 24th consecutive year in Springboro to honor our brave young men and women who have served in the military for our great country,” Agenbroad said in an announcement Friday.
The parade includes a stop at the local cemetery and ends with a meal at Springboro Intermediate School.
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Due to the COVID-19 closures, the Springboro High school marching band and ROTC were also unavailable.
“What kind of parade are we going to have without a band?” the mayor said after the announcement.
Agenbroad said he was concerned the virus could be spread while people were sitting in the bleachers at Wade Field.
“There is no easy way to talk to, and personally thank our sponsors due to most businesses being closed. We do not feel it is prudent to have an event just to have one, even if the state permits,” the mayor added in the closure announcement.
“We are all anxious to get back to our normal lives, but there is just too much at stake to rush into an event such as this. Hopefully we will have the ability to hold our concerts in the park and other events, but time will tell,” the mayor added in the statements.
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Clearcreek Twp. also contributes to the event.
“Certainly that just a great event,” Clearcreek Twp. Trustee Steve Muterspaw said. “It’s not worth risking spreading germs until we know a little bit more about what this is.”
“We’re disappointed. We’ll just make next year’s that much better”.
As far as other upcoming community events, such as the city’s weekend concert series, Agenbroad indicated June shows might be cancelled, but the rest left in place to see how long state restrictions remain in place.
“Who knows what the new order is going to be,” Agenbroad said.
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