Surrey Vaisakhi parade cancelled due to COVID-19
Posted March 12, 2020 12:05 pm.
Last Updated March 12, 2020 3:14 pm.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) – The novel coronavirus outbreak has forced the cancellation of one of Metro Vancouver’s largest public events.
Organizers say the Surrey Vaisakhi parade will not go ahead on April 25. According to a release, the “difficult decision” was made after “extensive consultation” with health officials and other authorities.
Organizers noted the health and safety of the public is the top priority.
“It’s disappointing in the sense that we feel bad for all the people .. .you know, the half a million people that gather. It’s a joyous celebration,” said Moninder Singh, the lead organizer.
He looks forward to the parade returning next year.
The Surrey Vaisakhi parade draws in a crowd of more than 500,000 people every year, according to organizers.
The parade marks one of the most significant days in the Sikh calendar, the creation of the Khalsa in 1699.
The cancellation comes as more than 118,000 cases of COVID-19 were reported worldwide, with more than 100 across Canada.
