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The annual parade through downtown Edmonton marking the start of K-Days has been cancelled, Northlands announced Friday.

The move comes after extensive discussion, guest surveys, reviews of industry best practices, declining attraction attendance as well as current fiscal realities, Northlands said in a news release.

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“This decision is not one we’ve made lightly,” said Northlands president and CEO Peter Male. “After exploring all options and much discussion, we must listen to our guests, who have told us very clearly that they want to see us invest in onsite programming.

Male said they will redirect the “substantive amount of money” it takes to stage the parade to onsite programming. This will allow Northlands to prioritize increasing “the calibre and amount of overall onsite entertainment.”

“Ultimately, we must ensure that K-Days is fiscally responsible and remains viable now, and for years to come,” Male said.

K-Days, which runs July 17-26 this year, will feature a “significant amount” of new programming, including the global debut of a feature pavilion.

Information about the full 2020 entertainment program will be made on Monday, April 20.