This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

OKLAHOMA CITY – An annual Christmas tradition will not be held this year due to budget cuts.

Organizers of the Annual Oklahoma City Christmas Parade announced that the parade on the Oklahoma River has been cancelled.

Although the parade was originally scheduled for Sunday, organizers say two major sponsors could not help fund the event because of budget cuts.

Officials say the City of Oklahoma City has been a major sponsor of the free event since the parade kicked off in 2004.

Due to budget constraints, the city was not able to sponsor the parade.

“We appreciate the support we have receive from the City of Oklahoma City, Air Comfort Solutions and all of our sponsors,” stated Parade Chairman Mike McAuliffe. “The past few years have been challenging after losing major sponsorship dollars from the energy sector, but we have been able to keep the river parade afloat! We are committed to securing new sponsors and continuing this holiday tradition in 2017.”

The parade is one of the largest free family holiday events in central Oklahoma each year.

Organizers say they hope to bring the parade back to the city next year.

35.46756 -97.516428