The Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Association has canceled its annual ball and parade.
The group posted a statement on its Facebook page today, saying the cancellation was due to "concern over the spread of COVID-19 and the public’s health and safety."
The decision was made through a special vote by the Executive Board in response to the ongoing pandemic, the post states.
“While the number of cases continues to rise in our state and community, we feel it is in the best interest of our members, volunteers, partners and participants to follow the recommendations of the Centers of Disease Control and the Louisiana Department of Health to limit large gatherings and follow restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Crystal Carriere, Chief Nursing Officer at Bunkie General Hospital and OIMG Executive Treasurer.
The organization is working on plans for alternative way to keep the Mardi Gras spirit going, and will announce those soon.
Here's the post:
