DOUGLAS COUNTY—The board of directors of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc., made the difficult decision this week to cancel the 2025 parade scheduled for December 6, due to the current outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in multiple states, according to a statement from the board.
EHV is a highly contagious virus among horses. Veterinarians and equine health experts recommend limiting travel and avoiding large gatherings of horses during active outbreaks. The virus poses no risks to humans, but it can spread quickly between horses making this precautionary action necessary.
"The health and safety of the horses and our community come first, always," said Marty Kennedy, president of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. "Cancelling this year's parade was an extremely difficult decision but it is the responsible one."
Although the parade is cancelled, visitors can still enjoy all the shopping, dining and other holiday events planned in downtown Lawrence.