The annual Copperas Cove Christmas Parade had been canceled, but is now back on after local businesses donated enough money to fund the parade, according to the Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber of Commerce made an announcement about the cancellation of the parade Wednesday afternoon, citing an "increase in city fees."
"It's a sad deal. We didn't want to cancel it because, I mean, it's kind of like canceling Christmas" Butch Ronne, the Chairman of the Chamber's Board of Directors, said. "We just didn't really have any option with the fees that were laid before us."
Ronne said they board had discussed charging a fee to those with a float, but decided against it after running the numbers.
When Sylvia Smith and Tave Guzman, owners of the Doggie Day Spa in Copperas Cove, found out about the cancellation, they knew something had to be done.
"There are families that grandparents attended when they were younger, their children attended and now their grandchildren are attending. So for all of a sudden to say it's canceled that's very heartbreaking because that's not what this city is about," Smith said. "We were very, very sad about it because this is a big deal for the city, the kids love seeing it and us as adults we love participating in this parade."
Smith and Guzman started calling to their friends around Copperas Cove, asking for help bring the parade back.
Patrick Bernhard and Tom Moseley, with H.I.S. Contractors donated a total of $400. Guzman and Smith donated $200. There was also a donation jar at Doggie Day Spa where customers donated $68 in a matter of a few hours on Thursday.
"When I heard, I was in tears last night. I really was in tears. And I called Sylvia, she knows. I was in tears because we had to make it happen. And with Pat's help, we're making it happen," Guzman said.
In total, $1,193 was donated to bring the event back, which is enough to avoid charging any entry fees. Enough to make sure the parade goes on--without charging any entry fees!
"The kids love [the parade]. It's for the kids," Smith said.
The Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for floats for the parade until November 25. The parade is on December 3 at 3 p.m.
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