Tallahassee Winter Festival Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather

Key Takeaways

• The 39th annual Tallahassee Winter Festival has been canceled due to a high probability of rain.
• The event, which includes four stages of entertainment, food vendors, and crafts, draws tens of thousands to the city center each year.
• The National Weather Service forecast calls for a 30% – 80% chance of rain for the day and a 70% chance for the evening.
• The city has planned numerous free festive events to take place throughout December, including Holiday Stroll, Santa Calling, Elf Night, and Soul Santa.
• Alternative holiday events, such as Candy Cane Lane and the spectacular light display in Dorothy B. Oven Park, will still take place as scheduled.

Introduction to the Cancellation
The city of Tallahassee has made the difficult decision to cancel the 39th annual Winter Festival due to a rainy day and night in the forecast. The annual event, which includes four stages of entertainment, food vendors, and crafts, draws tens of thousands to the city center each year for the holiday parade and widely anticipated Jingle Bell Run. The National Weather Service branch in Tallahassee forecast calls for a 30% – 80% chance of rain for the day and a 70% chance for the evening, with new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible throughout the day and night.

Reasons for the Cancellation
The city has warned for days on social media that the dreaded decision might be coming, and city officials made the call at about 8 a.m. as steady rain was falling in much of the city. The cancellation includes the Jingle Bell Run, Nighttime Holiday Parade, lighting ceremony, and live entertainment. Rain can pose a challenge with the parade floats, many of which include crafts and elaborate electrical light displays to delight crowds lining the streets. The city spokesperson noted that because of months of planning and logistics, a jam-packed holiday schedule, and traveling vendors, it is not feasible to reschedule the event.

Alternative Holiday Events
Although the Winter Festival has been canceled, the city has planned numerous free festive events to take place throughout December. These events include Holiday Stroll, Santa Calling, Elf Night, and Soul Santa. On Saturday, December 13, the annual Holiday Stroll will take place at Cascades Park, featuring about a dozen different acts showcasing their talents throughout the winding trails of the park. The musical stylings include carolers, choruses, instrumentalists, and more, and there will also be hot cocoa as supplies last. Additionally, Candy Cane Lane will be open in McCarty Park from 6-9 p.m. on December 8-11, 6-11 p.m. on December 12-13, and 6-9 p.m. on December 14 for visitors to enjoy.

Elf Night and Soul Santa Events
On Thursday, December 18, Dorothy B. Oven Park will host its annual Elf Night, featuring Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a whole host of elves. Over 150,000 lights will twinkle against the night sky, transforming the park into a winter wonderland fit for Santa and all his arctic friends. Visitors are invited to take a stroll around the decorated grounds and let Santa know all the items on their holiday wish list. Then, on Saturday, December 20, Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus will make spirits bright with free gifts for Tallahassee children at the Walker-Ford Community Center and the LeVerne Payne Community Center. Registration is required to participate at Talgov.com.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The cancellation of the Winter Festival is certainly disappointing for many, but the city has made it clear that the safety of the community, event participants, and staff is paramount. With the high probability of rain continuing throughout the day, it is understandable that the city made this difficult decision. However, with the numerous alternative holiday events planned throughout December, there is still plenty to look forward to in the city of Tallahassee. Whether it’s the Holiday Stroll, Elf Night, or Soul Santa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.