News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Baxter will not have a Christmas Parade on December 4 this year, due to COVID concerns in Putnam County.
Baxter Mayor John Martin said he knows this will be disappointing to residents, but the decision was made to protect the public’s health and safety.
“I know a lot of children and all that’s gonna be riding on trailers, close contact and we always had a big thing at the depot with Santa Claus and everything with a lot of children” Martin said. “We just feel like it’s better, of course we really hate that because everyone enjoyed the Christmas Parade, but we’re just not gonna have it this year.”
Martin said he had heard and seen residents asking for a mask mandate at the event, but felt people would be too close together to make the event safe. Martin said there is no plan for any smaller events this Christmas.
“Nothing other than we’re gonna put our lights up, we’re gonna put all of our banners up, our Christmas banners,” Martin said. “We’re gonna have all the lights in our city but, as far as gatherings for a parade, we’re not gonna do that.”
Martin said this decision was about protecting citizens. Martin said Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter is doing an excellent job with the decisions being made during the pandemic.
