News

For Immediate Release
October 26,  2020

RICHMOND, IN. – Due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Wayne County, the subsequent change to the orange stage, and the limit to event gatherings, The Richmond Parks & Recreation Department’s Trick or Treat in the Park and The City of Richmond’s Veterans Parade will be cancelled this year.  

Although it is unfortunate to make this announcement, these events are estimated to bring in crowds significantly higher than the 75 person limit will allow.  It is in the best interest of everyone involved that the local guidelines are followed by The Wayne County Health Department and The City of Richmond.

The Trick or Treat in the Park event was originally slated for Saturday, October 31st in Glen Miller Park planned in conjunction with several non profits.  The concept behind the event was to provide a safer alternative than the traditional door to door format, while allowing various organizations within the community to participate.  Early estimates projected for well over 1000 people to be dispersed throughout the park that evening and while the decision is a hard one to make, it is the most responsible decision at this time.  Please note the City has announced there will still be a traditional door to door time of 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on October 31st for those who want to participate and encourage anyone participating to review the specific CDC guidelines for Trick-Or-Treating door to door this year. 

In similar fashion, the Veterans Parade was in preparation for Saturday, November 7th on East Main Street. “Honoring our veterans is an important part of why we assist in this parade each year.  We felt it was a collective decision to make so we discussed this in the last meeting and polled the Veterans Parade Committee for their thoughts on cancelation. The majority of the committee has decided that it would be best to skip this year due to the restrictions. We will all miss this event this year!”  Denise Retz, Park Superintendent 

The traditional size of the crowd, and an inability to enforce proper safety guidelines proves too high a risk; it is in the best interest of all to hold off on the parade until next year.  “Considering a large portion of the parade units will not be able to attend the parade this year as well as many of the Veterans on the committee are in high risk categories, protecting them is the most important decision we can make.”  Keith Clemens, Community Recreation Coordinator‍

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The mission of the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department is to provide for the positive development and well-being of the Richmond community through the provision of parks, greenways, trails and recreational programming and facilities while working in cooperation with other service providers and partners in the community to maximize all available resources.‍

For questions, imagery, or for media requests, please reach out to the organizers via the contact details below:

Keith Clemens
Community Recreation Coordinator
Richmond Parks and Recreation
2200 East Main Street  | E: kclemens@richmondindiana.gov
Richmond, IN 47374    |T: (765) 983-7275