SAUGUS — Saugus’ annual tree lighting ceremony is the latest event to fall victim to the COVID-19 pandemic as communities across the North Shore adjust their holiday celebrations amidst rising virus cases.
Town Manager Scott Crabtree said the town’s decision, which was announced during Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, was several months in the making.
However, according to Crabtree and selectwoman Debra Panetta, the town’s yearly Christmas Eve parade is currently still set to take place as scheduled.
“We’ve been thinking about it since the summer, hoping and waiting to see if there was going to be an opportunity,” Crabtree said. “Unfortunately, based on the state’s guidelines, there’s just not a path to have such a cherished and well-attended tree lighting ceremony like we have every year in a manner that’s safe for residents to attend.”
For those disappointed by the news, however, there is still hope.
“I am delighted that Saugus will continue its tradition with the Christmas Eve parade,” Panetta said. “It’s been a difficult year with the global pandemic, which has changed our way of life. So many events have been canceled in 2020 to help prevent the spread of this terrible virus, (but) I am grateful that Saugus families will have the wonderful parade to look forward to on Christmas Eve.”
Crabtree said his office is in the process of collaborating with the local Health Department, and Saugus Police and Fire, to make the parade as safe as possible.
Meanwhile, neighboring communities of Lynn and Nahant announced last week that they had canceled their own holiday parades out of an abundance of caution.
Saugus reported 1,042 cases of COVID-19 within the town, including 45 deaths in its last update last Friday.
“We’re continuing to get the ‘Stop the Spread’ message out by partnering with the state for testing, as well as informing and reminding people to adhere to guidelines as they change,” Crabtree said of his primary concerns regarding the advent of the holiday season and a predicted spike in cases. “Following the guidelines are key to staying healthy and safe from the virus.”
