Town Cancels All Large Events

CORONAVIRUS

From Staff Reports

No closing of Franklin Street for Halloween. No holiday parade and no Festifall.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Town of Chapel Hill has decided to cancel all town-sponsored festivals and large public events through the end of the year.

“In the best interests of public health and safety we have decided to not offer the festivals and events that have become synonymous with Chapel Hill,” said Town Manager Maurice Jones. “We all look forward to the day when we can celebrate together again in large groups and enjoy all that our community has to offer.”

Cancelled events also include Chapel Hillidays, which features a Santa Rooftop Rescue.

While not an organized event, Halloween in Chapel Hill has, for years, resulted in many people walking to Franklin Street to show off their costumes. Those behaviors are not safe this year, according to public health professionals.

“We know Halloween on Franklin Street is a beloved annual gathering for so many in our community, but crowds greater than 50 people go against the current public health guidance,” said Police Chief Chris Blue. “As a Chapel Hill native, I, too, am disappointed that this annual tradition cannot happen. However, given the risks associated with such an event during the current pandemic, supporting a Halloween event in our downtown is not in the best interest of safety for our community.”

In accordance with state and local orders, crowds may not exceed 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.