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Main Street Elizabethton, Carter County Bank and the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department released the following statement concerning changes to Christmas events in Elizabethton.
After continuing to watch COVID-19 cases in our area rise, consulting with health officials in our region, and speaking with key stakeholders and emergency personnel, event hosts of the Christmas Tree Lighting, The Christmas Parade and Christmas at Covered Bridge Park have revised these previously planned events to reflect all necessary precautions while maneuvering a global pandemic.
Carter County Bank has worked diligently preparing for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. New lights on the historic Frasier Fir have been strung and preparations have been on-going for weeks. While the lighting cannot safely be conducted as an in-person event, it is believed that this tradition must continue, and a safe alternative has been planned. The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, brought to you by Carter County Bank, will be presented as a virtual event this season. This holiday tradition will be live-streamed on the original event date of Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 6PM on the Carter County Bank’s Facebook Page. A recording of the event will also be available once the event concludes.
Unfortunately, Main Street Elizabethton, has made an extremely difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Elizabethton Christmas Parade. After all avenues have been exhausted for logistics of viable alternative options, it is clear there is no way to host a safe in-person event of this caliber. Main Street is continuing to work alongside Carter County Bank and the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department to plan alternative festivities for citizens and visitors to enjoy during this holiday season.
Lastly, the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department has also made the difficult decision to cancel Christmas at Covered Bridge Park. This pre-parade afternoon event, which was to be expanded in 2020, simply cannot meet the CDC guidelines and responsible precautions to safely be presented in person. While this decision was not made easily, Elizabethton Parks and Recreation firmly believe it is in the best interest of citizens and visitors.
Each organization is extremely disappointed as a tremendous amount of work had been accomplished by a variety of committees in a very short period since taking over operations to these events this year. Each of these respective agencies were excited about the holiday festivities and entertainment and had looked forward to debuting exciting new aspects to already successful events.
Although the disappointment of losing traditional holiday fun cannot be replaced, Carter County Bank, Main Street Elizabethton, and the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department have continued to work closely together and are creating several alternative options to enjoy while awaiting Christmas Day. These opportunities will be announced soon!
To stay up to date with planned events please follow the websites and/or social media accounts below:
Carter County Bank at www.bankoftennessee.com/cartercountychristmas, Elizabethton Parks and Recreation at https://www.facebook.com/elizabethtonparksandrecreation/ or www.cityofelizabethton.org And Main Street Elizabethton at https://www.facebook.com/downtownelizabethton/.