Rose Parade canceled for the first time since World War II due to the coronavirus

Los Angeles Times

The 132nd Tournament of Roses Parade, which is usually broadcast on NBC, ABC, Hallmark Channel and Univision, will not take place on Jan. 1, 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first time in 75 years that the Rose Parade has been canceled. The last time the parade was canceled was between 1942 and 1945 during World War II. “Like most people, having never lived through a pandemic before ... our thoughts were that the parade was 10 months away and we would be fine,” Tournament of Roses Chief Executive David Eads tells the Los Angeles Times. But as the months went on and the virus continued ravaging the state, “the reality of the pandemic set in.” He pointed out that the Tournament of Roses is months behind preparing the floats, which usually begin being built in March, due to the coronavirus lockdown. He notes that many of the volunteers are seniors who are vulnerable to the pandemic. Additionally, high school bands haven't been able to practice because of school closures. The Rose Bowl football game, however, is still scheduled to take place on New Year's Day, with a socially distanced audience or an empty stadium.