One of the longest running traditions in all of Michigan’s Great Southwest — an event that has only been canceled on one other occasion during World War II — has been officially canceled. There will be no Blossomtime Festival Grand Floral Parade for 2020.
Officials from the longest running, continuous community events in Michigan history faced tough decisions, but ultimately acted out of “an abundance of caution,” in pulling the trigger to halt all planning and execution of the huge undertaking.
Blossomtime President Anna Abdelnour issued the dispatch this afternoon saying:
“As we face these challenging times and practice abundance of caution and in accordance with the guidelines laid out by the CDC, The Blossomtime Festival’s 2020 Grand Floral Parade has been canceled on May 2nd. The inaugural Grand Floral Parade took place in 1923 and since then, it has only previously been canceled once, during World War II, and was later restarted in 1954. The Grand Floral Parade has been a staple in the Twin Cities of Benton Harbor and St Joseph with the start of the Spring season watching communities, friends and families come together.
This was not a decision, as a Board, that we took lightly and represents the Festival’s commitment to the overall well-being of the community at this time. We look forward to celebrating The Grand Floral Parade ‘Greatest Show’ with all of you again on May 1st, 2021.
The Mr. Blossomtime Contest, Showcase of Queens, and Miss Blossomtime events, as well as Coronation Ball will be rescheduled as soon as possible, with the intent to resume these activities later this summer. In addition, the Farm Tour, Lansing trip, Mayor’s Banquet and Shriner’s Hospital tour will also be postponed and as many of these events as possible will be rescheduled.
In addition to the Grand Floral Parade, however, the following events are permanently cancelled for the 2020 season:
- Blessing of the Blossoms
- Vintage Baseball Game with House of David
- Dinner with the Queens
- Good Will Tour
- The Youth Parade
- Run For the Buds
The Blossomtime Festival appreciates and thanks you for your continued support and we look forward to restoring as many of our annual events as soon as possible. Please visit our website www.BlossomtimeFestival.org for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.”
