Northampton Exchange Club recently made the official announcement it would be canceling the 2020 Jack Frost Parade, expected to be held Oct. 22.

Parade Chairman Ralston Coleman provided club members, during a recent special meeting and picnic held at the Municipal Park pavilion, an update on what other communities in the region were doing regarding their Halloween parades. He said every community he contacted has canceled the fall event.

Before the club took an official position on the parade, Coleman had members and officers give their views on the issue. The question of delaying the parade for one week to Oct. 29, which was a rain date for the parade, did not gain any traction with the membership.

Coleman called for a show of hands for the members to vote if they were in favor of canceling the parade. It was unanimous.

Coleman is already beginning plans for the 2021 Jack Frost Parade, hinting at a surprise regarding a large band performance.

In another decision, Dr. Rodger Berg reported additional Exchange Club events have been canceled because of COVID-19, including the annual fall craft fair. Northampton Banquet and Event Center, which hosts the craft fair, remains closed. The Exchange Club also canceled its spring craft fair, which was to be held in March.

The Student of the Month program honoring Northampton Area High School seniors came to a halt in March. However, in the upcoming weeks, the club will still honor the two Students of the Year.