The city’s Memorial Day parade will not occur this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Other events, such as the Summer Concert Series, have also been axed.
MASSILLON As effects of the coronavirus crisis continue to spread, the mayor’s office announced Friday afternoon that all major spring and summer public events have been canceled.
“We’re disappointed, but this was needed,” Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry said regarding the upcoming cancellations. “We enjoy our summer festivities, but we just can’t have them as gatherings are not permitted.”
The city canceled the annual Memorial Day parade originally planned for the end of May, according to the mayor, who said part of the decision came down to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine extending stay-at-home orders through May 29.
However, the city has scheduled a Memorial Day “laying of the wreaths” ceremony to honor U.S. military veterans on May 25 in the Massillon Cemetery. The live event will be closed to the public, but it will be recorded and broadcast later on MCTV’s Channel 22.
Also not happening this year is the city’s 22nd annual downtown Summer Concert Series, which has typically featured local musical favorites like LaFlavour, The Avalons, Visinata, The Belairs and Jimmy & the Soul Blazers.
Craig DeBock, lead singer of LaFlavour, said Friday the band has always been a part of the concert series. Members haven’t had a gig since Valentine’s Day because of the virus.
“We’ve really been put out. It’s the longest we’ve gone (in decades) without playing,” DeBock said about the standstill. “There’s just no end is sight.”
LaFlavour was slated to perform in August during the series, DeBock said.
The Monday Duncan Plaza Concerts, as well as the July 3 City of Champions Independence Day Celebration, are included in the city’s cancellations.
“We want to keep our community safe, and are looking forward to celebrating our events … in 2021,” the mayor said.
