The City of Long Beach’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration has been postponed until 2023 due to the high rate of COVID-19 transmissions.
“Despite the unfortunate circumstances leading to this postponement, we look forward to this event returning next year with new enhancements that will enrich this great celebration,” Councilwoman Suely Saro said in a statement.
The City had originally scheduled the event for Jan. 15, first postponing it to February when it became apparent that Omicron was causing a spike in COVID-19 infections.
The City also released a virtual recording of last year’s event on Long Beach Television.
As case rates remain high, the event has been canceled altogether for this year.
As of Feb. 4, the case rate in Long Beach is 26,049 COVID-19 infections per every 100,000 people, according to the City’s online COVID-19 dashboard.
At the same time last year, the case rate was 10,545 infections per every 100,000 people.
The city council will vote on whether the funds that were going to be used on the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration can be rolled over into next year’s event. If the council approves the motion, the funds will go towards improved decorations, stages, paid entertainment and promotional materials.
“While there won’t be a parade celebration this year as we continue to make decisions that keep people safe,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to a great celebration next year and for many years to come.”
