McKeesport’s Salute to Santa parade canceled

By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com

For the first time in more than a half of a century, Santa Claus will not be ushered into the Tube City by way of a Christmas parade to mark the start of the holiday season.
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko announced at Wednesday’s council meeting that for the first time in 56 years there won’t be a “Salute to Santa Parade” along Fifth Avenue in the Downtown Business District.
The mayor said the parade, which typically features marching bands, dance troupes, themed floats, mascots, school groups, first responder vehicles, members of area organizations and more, is canceled as a result of concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s irresponsible on our part to bring people into close proximity, into crowds lined up on the streets where we really have no control on what they do,” Cherepko said. “The only control we have is to not allow that type of situation to happen.”
In another matter related to Christmastime, Cherepko said the city is hoping to offer the Festival of Trees at the main pavilion of Renziehausen Park and at the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center in December.
He cautioned that the festival may be operated a little differently this year to observe pandemic guidelines and restrictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state and county health departments. In its 35th year, the Festival of Trees features dozens of Christmas trees decorated by area businesses, students, nonprofit and community organizations, elected officials, first responder agencies and more.
“If we have Festival of Trees we can make sure we’re letting X-amount of people in at a time and things like that,” the mayor said. “We can try to regulate it a little bit. There will be no Christmas parade but we’re hoping Festival of Trees can at least help keep the spirit going. We think we can do it safely for those that want to go out, wear your masks, social distance.”
He said the recreation committee will likely decide to cancel food sales during this year’s festival “so people aren’t sitting around eating with their masks off.”
“People need something,” Cherepko said. “I think if that helps some people get in the Christmas spirit to come out there to walk around and see some Christmas trees and whatever the case may be, we are going to try and find a way to safely do that.”
In a final matter related to holiday celebrations, the mayor officially announced trick-or-treat will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
He encouraged residents to practice social distancing and mask wearing and reminded those who plan to participate to respect the wishes of neighbors who do not feel comfortable handing out candy this year as a result of concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
The mayor is glad Festival of Trees may be held this year and that trick or treating is a go. He said the decision to cancel some of the city’s annual seasonal and holiday events as a result of pandemic restrictions has been difficult.

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