Leechburg Memorial Day Parade is back on

Leechburg’s Memorial Day Parade will happen after all.

The borough had announced it was canceling the annual parade for the second year in a row because of the covid-19 pandemic.

But following Tuesday’s announcement that Gov. Tom Wolf plans to ease gathering restrictions in time for the federal holiday, borough officials reversed course.

“I’m actually ecstatic that we can have a parade,” said Mayor Wayne Dobos. “I am a Vietnam veteran, and Memorial Day is quite special.”

The governor said that capacity limits on restaurants, theaters, indoor and outdoor spaces, and other businesses will be dropped on Memorial Day, while the state’s masking order will remain in place. Wolf said masks would be required until 70% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated.

Leechburg’s parade will follow the same route as in previous years, according to Dobos. It is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. May 31 at the bottom of Second Street.

“I think everyone will be as excited as I am,” Dobos said.

Leechburg had stood alone in its decision to cancel its Memorial Day celebrations. Several other Alle-Kiski Valley municipalities, including Kittanning and Lower Burrell, were already moving forward with their parade plans.

Dobos said the borough’s initial decision to cancel drew from the fact that Market Street, which encompasses much of the parade route, is a state road. Use of Riverview Park and the gazebo has also been limited during the pandemic, Dobos added.

Although Dobos said he and borough officials have gotten a later start on planning this year’s parade, he is confident that all of the necessary arrangements will be ready on time. He said the parade will include many of the usual elements, including participation from local fire departments, the Leechburg Area High School band and others.

“We have a pretty decent parade for a little town,” he said.