The Apex Rotary Christmas Parade, a tradition since 1957, may see changes this year due to downtown construction delays. The Salem Streetscape project, aimed at increasing walkability and downtown dining, is behind schedule.

Construction Delays

Revised electrical plans forced the multi-million-dollar project into a weeks-long delay earlier this year, pushing back expected completion to December, right when the parade is usually held. Organizers are making contingencies, considering the parade’s importance to the community.

Apex leaders say the parade could still go on even if there’s only one lane open through downtown. However, this could require changes, such as modifying or skipping larger floats. The town is exploring alternatives, including a modified traditional parade, an alternate route, or a stationary parade.

Mayor Pro Tem Terry Mahaffey stated that crews are making progress, working 14-hour shifts to complete the project. The town held a workshop to discuss possible alternatives for the parade.

Attendees hope the Christmas parade will not face the same fate as the Olde Fashioned Fourth of July, which was forced to move locations and change formats due to the construction. Parade organizers are expected to give an update to Apex leaders in August.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.