No Santa for Sacramento, This Year…

It looks like even old St. Nick was affected by the economic downturn.  For the first time in 25 years, Sacramento’s Santa Parade has been canceled due lack of funds.

Parade organizer Laurie Hensley announced the cancelation today in a press release.  She says that although the City of Sacramento was able to continue its support, parade organizers couldn’t secure other sponsorship funds.  

“We’re disappointed, and especially sorry to disappoint the people who’ve been looking forward to the parade,” said Hensley in a statement. “But we want to assure people that we’re looking at this as an unfortunate, but necessary, year off – not an ending for the parade, just a one-year break.”

Hensley says planning has already begun for next year with an emphasis on creating a stable financial foundation for the organization.

From the SacBee.com:

“We’re a trickle-down casualty of the financial mess,” Hensley said. She said she is contacting the 60 groups scheduled to participate in the parade, including school bands, youth groups and equestrian organization, with the news.

The parade was always held during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and drew crowds of up to 25,000. It helped draw people to downtown Sacramento since people could eat and shop afterwards, Hensley said.

Hensley said the cancellation is intended as a one-year break. Planning for the 2009 parade has already started. There has been a lot of outpouring of interest after people learned about this year’s cancellation, she said.

Anyone interested in helping with the 2009 Santa Parade can call (916) 451-6200.