COVID-19 has affected almost every annual event in 2020. Communities all around the world had to find ways to adapt to the new way of life COVID-19 has brought. At the very beginning of quarantine we have seen how different different religious communities have decided to adapt to COVID-19 regulations.
In March, the Jewish community tried family dinners over Zoom for Passover, and many Christian families opted for outdoor Easter celebrations in April. Now that we are in the final stretch of the year, many people are getting restless with having to keep distance from their loved ones.
The annual Lynn Hahn Memorial Lighted Boat parade is one of the many celebrations the Stockton community looks forward to every year. The boat parade is a fun event for families as they watch boats cruise down the Delta, lit up in many different colors.
This year due to the pandemic, the Light Boat parade announced on their Facebook page the postponing of the parade this year till December of 2021.
Lynn Hahn was an educator in the community. Lynn Hahn’s son, Roger Hahn coordinates and runs the event every year and spoke out on the event’s Facebook page about the current status of the parade.
“With the recent rise in cases and outbreaks throughout the state, I think it is in the best interest of the community to not put anyone at risk even with social distancing and mask requirements,” said Hahn
Although officially the parade will not be happening, there are still talks of an “un-official” gathering in the works for people to still go out and enjoy the Christmas festivities.
“For those of you who still want to do lights and have fun, there is an ‘unofficial’ gathering in the works,” said the Stockton Lighted Boat Parade on their Facebook page.
With the current state of the country, and people beginning to become tired and overall not wanting to ruin the Christmas spirit, there are many underground or “un-official” events taking place.
When hosting or attending un-official or getting together with the family. It is important to follow CDC guidelines of wearing your mask, social distancing and staying within your household.
“In-person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, pose varying levels of risk.” said CDC.Due to the recent spike in COVID cases, California governor Gavin Newsom recently announced a stay-at- home order for certain areas in California. These areas include Northern California, Bay Area, Southern California, San Joaquin Valley, and Greater Sacramento. “The Regional Stay at Home Order would be in effect for 3 weeks after the trigger and instructs Californians to stay at home as much as possible to limit the mixing with other households that can lead to COVID-19 spread.” said CA.gov