EFFORTS to minimise community risk of spreading COVID-19 have seen a Riverland council cancel its Christmas pageant for a second consecutive year.
Renmark Paringa councillors passed a motion at last week’s general meeting to cancel the planned 2020 Christmas on the Murray street pageant, laser show and fireworks display.
Remark Paringa director corporate and community services Tim Pfeiffer said council needed to prioritise the safety of its residents.
“It is disappointing that some elements of our traditional Christmas event are unfeasible due to the current SA Health requirements for large events, however these requirements are in place to keep us all safe,” Mr Pfeiffer said.
“It is important for our community to celebrate Christmas and council is therefore considering ways to ‘re-jingle’ our plans and still do something that is engaging, festive and fun.”
Last year’s inaugural Christmas on the Murray event was cancelled due to extreme heat.
A Renmark Paringa Council spokesperson said COVID-19 regulations on community gatherings of more than 1000 people would present numerous challenges in hosting a Christmas pageant.
“The situation surrounding COVID-19 has been continually monitored by council,” the spokesperson said.
“Given the number of people that attend the street parade and fireworks display over the river each year, council decided that it would be against public health advice to attract a large crowd and not have the level of controls in place to safeguard our community.”
Council advised the Christmas on the Murray Re-Jingled event would still allow local families and businesses to celebrate the holiday as a community.
“Council is exploring options to deliver festive activities within the Renmark Paringa district that will allow children and families to engage with Father Christmas, as well as the potential for new, interactive and interesting activities for the whole community,” the spokesperson said.
“(We) will provide further information about “Renmark’s Christmas on the Murray Re-Jingled” when details have been finalised.”