CLEVELAND — The city of Cleveland has been ranked one of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but this year the city won't be hosting its annual parade because of coronavirus concerns.
3News confirmed the cancellation Wednesday morning with a source affiliated with the parade. The source tells 3News they were "speechless" when learning of the decision.
There's a 1 p.m. press conference planned, according to somebody with the parade committee.
This decision comes after organizers initially reassured St. Patrick’s Day hopefuls Tuesday that the parade would go on as planned.
Cleveland isn't alone in this, either. Earlier Wednesday, Chicago announced the cancellation of their St. Patrick's Day parade.
Gov. Mike Dewine previously announced his recommendations to help stop the spread of coronavirus, which heavily focused on Ohio colleagues and sporting events. He also warned against the gathering of people including parades.
When asked about Cleveland's St. Patrick's Day before it was officially canceled DeWine replied: "I don't have the authority to cancel the parade in Cleveland, but the recommendation is we not have parades."
The parade was scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 1:04 p.m. This year, the city won’t get the chance to shine like a pot of gold.
No word on if the banquet that traditionally follows the parade will go on as scheduled.
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