After a week or so of talking about how the 21st annual Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library Halloween Parade through downtown Boothbay Harbor could be safely accomplished this year, organizers have decided to cancel the annual event.

BHML Executive Director Joanna Breen works with Boothbay Harbor Police Officer Larry Brown on organizing the event. Both said it would not be a safe situation due to COVID-19.

“We discussed several scenarios, including moving it to the schools, but after discussing it with Tricia (Campbell, Boothbay Region High School principal) and Shawna (Kurr, Boothbay Region Elementary School principal), we couldn’t come up with a plan to assure everyone’s safety,” said Brown.

“We’ve wracked our brains around this since late September,” said Breen. “But we decided it was best to stay consistent with town and state CDC guidelines about gatherings.”

Brown said it is allowable to have small parades according to the state CDC guidelines with 100 people, but the annual event draws over 500 people each year. Last year, the parade was moved inside the Boothbay Harbor Fire Station due to the weather.

“We will be here in Halloween spirit this year, but plan to do it up big next year,” said Breen.