The crowd at the 2019 QVC West Chester Christmas Parade; the 2020 version of the event will not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) has announced the cancellation of the 2020 QVC West Chester Christmas Parade to protect the health of spectators who gather for one of Chester County’s most popular events.
“We realize the most important thing we can do right now is keep our citizens safe. The Chamber’s Board of Directors has made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel this year’s parade,” said Dave Fairman, Interim President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, the host of the annual event in its 41st year. “We’re proud of this world class event that attracts tens of thousands of guests to downtown West Chester every year, shining a positive light on the entire region and jumpstarting the holiday season.”
Originally slated for Friday, December 4, 2020, the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade will now enter the planning phase for the 2021 event, which promises to be more spectacular than ever before.
“We understand and support the Chamber’s decision to cancel this year’s parade and share the aim to help ensure the health and safety of our community, its residents and potential visitors,” said Dr. Christopher Fiorentino, President of West Chester University. “We look forward to continuing the parade tradition next holiday season with enthusiasm.”
The QVC West Chester Christmas Parade consistently delivers more than 100 traditional parade elements with a modern twist. Schools, businesses, fire companies and other service organizations join dozens of marching bands, character balloons, professional performance groups, antique vehicles and more. The 2019 parade included festive floats sponsored by West Chester University, First Bank, Benchmark Federal Credit Union, BB&T and Wells Fargo.
“While the decision to cancel the 2020 QVC West Chester Christmas Parade was heartbreaking knowing that the parade spreads cheer to those young and old, we know we must do what is best to keep our community safe,” said Todd Marcocci, owner of Under the Sun Productions, the parade’s producer. “We must still share peace, love and light through different means this holiday season.”
“We’re fortunate to have steadfast support from the borough and the community. We’re currently exploring creative, alternative ideas to bring a new socially-distant holiday celebration to West Chester, so be sure to keep an eye on the Chamber’s website and social media posts for an announcement!” added Fairman.
For more information on the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade, please visit www.GreaterWestChester.com.
