Canceled Holiday Events: Explained by Chamber CEO Jackson Tough

The El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce opted to cancel the “Angels Among Us, Celebrating Our Healthcare Heroes” Christmas Parade, Holiday Expo and Lighting Celebration.

Late last Thursday afternoon the chamber received a call from the Cedar County Health Department with updated El Dorado Springs public health information as well as information from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the governor’s office that prompted us to cancel the events slated for Saturday, November 21. As of last Thursday (November 19) the state advised Category 1 locations (extreme risk) not to have large events with more than 10 people gathered in a social group. Cedar County is in Category 1. With the rise in active COVID-19 cases and lack of beds at other regional facilities Cedar County Memorial Hospital has now designated an area for COVID treatment on the med-surge floor to care exclusively for those patients.

We understand that some are not in agreement with our decision. It’s been a very difficult year for many, including chambers and other organizations to navigate and sometimes make difficult decisions. We have thoroughly discussed and debated every event we have done since March. And we have “gone the extra mile to have most of those events, with no incidents. But in this case we felt compelled to listen to the medical community, the honorees of our holiday events, our “healthcare heroes.”

Many Thanks

Thank you to everyone who worked toward the Chamber’s Christmas Parade, Holiday Expo and Lighting Celebration. We recognize the time and energy of every group, organization, business and individual and the time spent preparing. Even though the events were canceled we want to recognize those who put time and effort in, and those who were ready to assist. We are grateful for their participation and willingness.

Thanks to all those that planned and worked on a parade entry and our holiday expo vendors.

Santa and the Jingle Jammers Band who put in hours of practice: Ron Swopes (Circle S Feed), Ginelle Esry, Ron Alumbaugh, Dr. Andrew Wyant (CCMH) and Krystal Wyant (ECS).

Vicki Hillsman (Brower Real Estate) and Dr. Theresa Christian (R-2 Schools) for coordinating the expo.

Parade chairman Neil Linsenmayer for helping put glue on survey stakes.

Joe Barger who took time to help put banner signage up.

Thank you to Terri Berry Jones, Cassie Boultinghouse, Ryan Cloyd, Bryan and Bethany Cloyd, Anthony Taylor, Ashley Knoll, Tevi Gurley, Tenlie Steward, Paula Newman and all others who had committed to help.

Thanks to the Lions Club for always helping with parade traffic.

Generation 3 for coordinating the Miss Merry Christmas and Little Mr and Miss Santa contests.

Thanks to the City of El Dorado Springs crews for their assistance.

Thank you to chamber assistant director, Peggy Snodgrass who is invaluable in the planning and execution of our events.

Again, we wish everyone a safe, healthy and blessed Thanksgiving.