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Buena Vista’s Parade of Lights is on hiatus for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After slating the annual event for the evening of Dec. 5, the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce made the announcement the morning of Nov. 25 to cancel.

 “It is with a heavy heart that we made this decision, along with all the difficult decisions that the COVID pandemic forced us to make in 2020,” said the Chamber’s Executive Director Melissa Traynham. “The Parade of Lights is a long-standing tradition in Buena Vista and we look forward to hosting it again in 2021 with the hopes of making it the best yet.
Unfortunately, this year participation response was low, which may be a direct correlation to people feeling safer at home and we completely understand and respect that.”
Traynham said the Chocolate Walk and Photos With Santa remain scheduled, as listed below, “but we will keep the community posted if that changes. It is a priority that our community stays healthy and our businesses remain open. We are committed to doing whatever we can to make those things happen.”

Chocolate Walk Saturday, Dec. 5 – Saturday, Dec. 12

This year The Walk was expanded to allow shopping and consuming a goodly amount of chocolate while not being in crowds.

Those wishing to follow the walk should pick up your playing card at the Buena Vista Welcome Center (343 U.S. Hwy 24 South) beginning Monday, Nov. 30 through Friday, Dec. 5 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Then, during the week of Dec. 5 through 12, with the card in hand, visit participating merchants, do some or all of your holiday shopping, see the amazing holiday products and services, taste exquisite chocolates and get your card stamped.

Prize drawings take place on Dec. 14, so make sure you return your completed participant card at the Chamber of Commerce to be entered to win prizes.

  • Photos with Santa: By appointment this year, the free photos with Mr. Claus will be located at the Community Center Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Masks will be required and temperature/symptom checks will conducted be at the door. Santa joins Buena Vista from Harmony Workshops. Photos are sponsored by Bertram Media and Chaffee Arts.
  • Virtual Events include the Christmas Tree Lighting Online/Facebook. You will be able to enjoy a video with Santa reciting ’twas the Night Before Christmas.

As well, the BV Chamber of Commerce’s #ShopBVFirst campaign is underway, bringing home the focus on shopping locally and promoting local businesses. If you need ideas for your holiday gift-giving list, the Chamber site has a list of local merchants, specials and ways to shop with COVID-19 safety in mind.