ONE of the region’s last Christmas events planned for 2020 has been cancelled, leaving organisers and would-be attendees disappointed but understanding.

On Friday, it was announced the 2020 Barossa Christmas Parade had been cancelled – another causality of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Parade organiser Rory Champion said the cancellation was a difficult decision to make, having held off for as long as possible in the hopes social distancing restrictions would change.

“This is not the outcome we had hoped for, but unfortunately with the strict COVID-19 restrictions, it is not possible to hold the event,” he said.

“We have tried our best over the past several weeks to work with key agencies in order to find a solution, but we have been unsuccessful.

“This is not a decision we have made lightly, but we need to ensure the safety and health of the public.”

The 2020 event was set to feature the traditional parade of floats along Murray Street, in Tanunda, as well as food vans and sideshow-style activities.

“We had a really good, 60-metre long bouncy castle lined-up this year – so we had some new stuff, like a new animal display organised, but they are going to have to wait to next year now.

“…It is disappointing but this time we’ve had no angry feedback at all; everyone has just seemed to accept it was probably going to happen.

“So it’s nice to see people have actually supported us.”

Mr Champion said the team of volunteer organisers thanks it sponsors, stallholders, float entrants and the community for its support, and promises to return in 2021.