DENVER — Mayor Michael Hancock has canceled the St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the on-going situation surrounding COVID-19, according to a Tuesday news release.

This year’s parade was going to be the 58th year and was scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

In a statement, Hancock wrote, “The health and safety of parade participants and attendees is our highest priority every year, and the call to cancel the 2020 parade was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we are doing our part to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to those who join us every year to celebrate this annual tradition.”

The Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade typically draws thousands to downtown and has been touted as the largest Irish cultural celebration west of the Mississippi.

Hancock’s statement continues:

“The city continues to closely monitor and coordinate efforts currently underway to respond to and prepare for cases of COVID-19. Our highest priority during this response is to both protect and prepare our residents for any potential risk to public health and safety as this situations continues to evolve. We urge residents to follow the advice of local health authorities, including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings, as well as advice on regular and thorough hand-washing, good respiratory hygiene, and staying home if you have flu-like symptoms.”

