Rest in Peace, Eau Claire Winter Parade
For the past two years, the City of Eau Claire and Water Street businesses experimented with a holiday/winter parade, but as of a meeting on Thursday night (5-1), the parade has been rained upon. Meaning, it won't happen again in the foreseeable future.
According to the Leader-Telegram, "Merchants of the Water Street Business Improvement District Board voted Thursday night against the parade because it hurt business during the crucial holiday season."
Water Street businesses say they lose too much revenue on the day of the Clearwater Winter Parade, saying "no-parking" signs set up in preparation for the night's festivities drive away too many patrons during what's normally a bustling time for shoppers. They also say few people stop in to buy during and after the parade.
In its second year (2013), in an attempt to remedy these issues, the city moved the parade to a Sunday (12-15), but attendance was less than impressive, probably due in large part to extremely cold temperatures and a big Packers game airing at the same time.
The L-T says the city still plans on holding an annual event with ice skating and family activities at the Hobbs ice arena, sans parade.
