Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled

NEWPORT, R.I (WLNE) – Just hours after receiving firm guidance from Governor Raimondo, the Newport City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to call off Saturday’s parade.

The decision came less than 24 hours after the council voted to allow it to go on as planned at Tuesday’s meeting.

A bussiness owner in Newport tells ABC6 that even though the parade is cancelled he still expects plenty of people to still celebrate.

“If cancelling it would have dispersed people from being around each other and spreading it then it would be a good decision,” Gary Borges, co-owner of Pour Judgement said. “But on my end we’re still going to see so many people in the bars and in the restaurants because this parade has been going for 50-something, 60-something years.”

Borges added that he doesn’t believe stopping the parade will necessarily help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Newport Mayor Jamie Bova recognized in a statement Wednesday that the cancellation will upset both residents and business owners.

“I recognize the concerns expressed by so many residents on both sides, and I know that the parade is a fixture in our community,” she said. “However, the health and safety of our community must be a priority and following guidance from experts is the best way to keep Newport safe.”