While the state is planning for a gradual reopening, the annual Memorial Day Parade has been canceled due to lasting concerns surrounding large gatherings.
Bo Johnstone, who is involved with the planning committee, said the parade is officially canceled but event organizers are still hoping to hold a ceremony.
“We’re not doing the parade” he said, “We’re hoping to have something but we really won’t know until we’re able to meet.”
He said the Memorial Day planning committee is meeting Wednesday to discuss potential options moving forward.
The group includes the local chapters of the American Legion and Daughters of the Revolution, AmVets, Blue Star Mothers, Disabled American Veterans and the local VFW post.
The Daughters of the American Revolution recently posted a statement online that the committee is waiting for further guidance from Gov. Mike DeWine and local authorities as to what events will be permissible.
“In these uncertain times, we hope to provide some return to normality… Whatever the decision, the Committee wants to ensure it is for the best for the community,” the statement read.
Johnstone said the committee is hoping to host a ceremony in place of the parade on the day it was originally planned, May 25.
He said members of the committee were initially hoping uncertainty would clear up by Flag Day, June 14. This would allow for a potential delay of the original events, if necessary.
But, in talking with Marysville City Manager Terry Emery, Johnstone said there is still concern surrounding large gatherings even as the state begins to reopen.
“The point is – (the city is) really looking at 25 people or less,” Johnstone said.
While there was still hope the parade would be held, even if postponed, VFW Post Commander Red Foughty said the organization applied for a permit from the city.
However, he said now nothing is set in stone and said those involved in the planning hope to know more details in “about another week.”
City of Marysville Recreation and Event Manger Amanda Morris said the parade was not called off by the city.
Typically, she said parade routes must be approved by the Marysville Division of Fire and Police.
Although Morris said MPD and MFD were waiting for further information from Gov. DeWine, she said the planning committee could exercise the option to cancel or delay the event before the city gives its verdict.
“They may decide what they’re going to do before we even give them a final decision,” she explained.
While the committee has chosen to cancel the parade, Johnstone said the planning committee still has to be thoughtful when planning an alternative.
“We’re looking at a lot of things,” he said, adding the group hopes to have more detailed plans by Friday.