FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Experience Fayetteville has decided to cancel the Lights of the Ozarks parade previously scheduled to be held Friday, Nov. 20.
The long-standing tradition of holiday lighting throughout the Historic Downtown Square will still occur with the City of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation staff hanging lights.
Experience Fayetteville is preparing ways to offer a virtual lighting ceremony.
The number of food and beverage vendors throughout the 2020 season will be reduced. The application form for food and beverage vendors will be available on Experience Fayetteville's website on Sept. 22.
Carriage rides, pony rides and pictures with Santa will not take place this year. Letters to Santa are encouraged and can be dropped off in the Santa mailbox in front of the Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center.
“This was not an easy decision to make,” Experience Fayetteville CEO Molly Rawn said. “Our primary concern is always public health and safety, and we have to do what’s best for our community. I’m encouraged by the work our team is doing to make this a cheerful and safe event moving forward.”
Each year, 400,000 lights can be enjoyed at the Fayetteville Square through Dec. 31. The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation department spends over 3,300 hours decorating the Historic Downtown Square with holiday lights.