‘Dark winter’: Morristown mayor backs cancellation of St. Patrick’s parade

Mayor Tim Dougherty and First Lady Mary Dougherty shake hands with Grand Marshal Father Patrick 'Paddy' O'Donovan at the 2019 Morris County St. Patrick's Parade. Photo by Penny Lopez
Mayor Tim Dougherty and First Lady Mary Dougherty shake hands with Grand Marshal Father Patrick 'Paddy' O'Donovan at the 2019 Morris County St. Patrick's Parade. Photo by Penny Lopez
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As we reported over the weekend, the Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade has been cancelled for the second straight year because of the pandemic.

On Tuesday, Morristown Tim Dougherty issued a statement backing the parade committee:

The Trustees of the Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade have come to the difficult decision that the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade must be postponed due to the continued threat of COVID-19.

Mayor Dougherty agreed with the difficult decision to postpone the annual pa- rade. “The reality is we are in the midst of the ‘dark winter’ many state and federal leaders warned of, with surging cases all over New Jersey. We are also still under executive orders issued by Governor Phil Murphy regarding indoor and outdoor capacity limits,” said Mayor Dougherty.

All of us at the Town of Morristown share in the disappointment felt by so many in Morristown, Morris County, and those who have traveled from all over New Jersey to celebrate this wonderful tradition. However, our top priority remains the safety and health of the Morristown community, and for that reason we agree with the Trustees’ difficult but necessary decision to postpone the parade.

Thank you to everyone in Morristown who has worked together over the past year as we continue to navigate this unprecedented pandemic. From businesses and town officials to residents and community leaders, you are what makes us Morristown Strong.

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