Pensacola Christmas Parade Cancelled

Rain has forced the cancellation of the Cox Pensacola Christmas parade.

Parade organizers say there was just too much rain in downtown Pensacola to risk it.

The parade will not be rescheduled.

Pensacola's Christmas parade typically draws 40,000 people to downtown Pensacola.

Bands and dance groups from as far away as New Orleans and Houston take part.

The following is a press release from the organizers:

Pensacola, FL — The 2009 Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade has been cancelled due to inclement weather. There will be no rain date for the event as the timeframe is too short for the remainder of the holiday season.

With most of the parade’s expenditures utilized before the parade takes place, securing port-a-lets, insurance, walkie-talkies, etc., no refunds will be offered. However, discounts for next year’s entries will be provided.

Bruce Wolfe, Chairman of the Pensacola Christmas Parade, said, “On behalf of the committee, I appreciate the time and effort put forth by the participants to ready their floats, marching units and bands for the City of Pensacola’s Christmas Parade. I am disappointed that the weather did not hold up, but I am looking forward to a wonderful 2010 Pensacola Christmas Parade.”

The Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade profits go to local high school band booster organizations to assist in the purchasing of uniforms and equipment and funding of travel expenses.

For more information on the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade, please visit the parade website at www.pensacolachristmasparade.us.