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The called-off Garner Christmas Parade is coming back for the first time since 2018

The Garner Christmas Parade, called off for three years now, is back on.

Posted Updated
Town of Garner cancels annual Christmas parade
By
Jessica Patrick
, WRAL Sr. multiplatform producer
GARNER, N.C. — The Garner Christmas Parade, which hasn't happened since 2018, is back on for Dec. 18.
The 2019 parade was canceled out of an abundance of caution over plans involving Confederate groups, and the 2020 parade was canceled due to coronavirus.
Then, earlier this month, the parade was canceled for a third year. Town Manager Rodney Dickerson said a staffing shortage was to blame.

"Events like that – like the parade or July 3rd – are pretty much all hands on deck for Parks & Rec and some of our other departments, and our supplemental staffing is down," Dickerson said. "It’s certainly a tough decision. We know that [parade] has been a foundation of the community for a while."

The announcement came too early, though. The good "never mind" news was shared on Facebook Wednesday.

"Garner folks will always find a way! Working with the Town of Garner, Garner Fire & Rescue, The Garner Police Department, and interested residents, we are going to have a kid and community-focused Christmas parade," a post read.

The parade is currently accepting volunteers.

So far, Garner American Legion Post 232, Garner Baseball Inc., Garner Fire and Rescue, Garner Magnet High School Army JROTC, Garner Magnet High School Chorus and Garner Optimist Club are scheduled to participate. More participants will be announced soon.

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