Overton’s Christmas Parade and Christmas In The Country Cancelled

Overton County officials have cancelled the Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Country.

County Executive Danner said hosting a parade would attract too many people from outside the county since most neighboring parades have already been cancelled.

“If we have a parade here, everybody from every county around is going to pile in here,” Danner said. “Like when Allardt had the Pumpkin Festival, they had a spike in Fentress County. I just do not feel like right now that is what needs to happen now. That is why we are cancelling the Christmas parade.”

Local vendors set up shop at town square for Christmas in the Country to celebrate the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes said the tree will be plugged in as normal but without a crowd to watch.

“It is certainly in the best interest for us to cancel these events,” Hayes said. “And I hate this. Christmas is like most folks some of the best times of the year and favorite memories that we all got at Christmas time. Ben and I certainly have a job to do to make sure that Overton County and Livingston are safe.”

Hayes said stores on the square that run the vendors will remain open for business. The county health department made the recommendation to call off both events, Danner said.

“The city mayor, myself and the chamber met with the health department, and we decided right now the best thing is to not have the Christmas parade this year,” Danner said. “(…) The number are better, but we are not completely out of it.”