The annual HopkinsChill holiday celebration in Hopkinsville has been put on ice.
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tab Brockman announced Monday afternoon that in light of the pandemic and statewide recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Hopkinsville’s traditional downtown festivities — including the HES & EnergyNet Christmas Parade and what would have been the Third Annual Skatin’ on the Square — have been canceled for 2020.
According to Brockman, the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting in Founders Square will go virtual on Friday, December 11, and not be open to the public. He adds the HES-EnergyNet Parade, which had been converted to a health/safety-conscious Reverse Parade, is canceled altogether and will not be held.
Brockman says this decision was reached unanimously in conjunction with city officials, sponsors, and after conversations with multiple parade participants.
He adds everyone is disappointed to have to pause these wonderful local Christmas activities, but they look forward to the return of the HES Christmas Parade in traditional fashion and other festivities in 2021.
Brockman says complete refunds will be issued to all groups and organizations that have already paid their float/unit entry fee. He adds donated toys will be transferred to the Hopkinsville Fire Department’s Christmas for Kids program, which partners with the Hopkinsville Salvation Army to help families in need around the holidays.
He says the Christmas parade grand marshals from the Christian County Health Department and Christian County Emergency Management will have their honor extended to next year during the 2021 event.
