Coeur d’Alene downtown association confirms holiday parade canceled

Following news that the Coeur d’Alene Resort canceled this year’s fireworks show and lighting ceremony due to COVID-19, the city’s downtown association announced a change of plans, too.

The Lighting Ceremony Parade that accompanies the resort’s show is canceled. In its place, businesses will host the Parade of Trees. Downtown Coeur d’Alene businesses will put up “glamorously decorated trees” and festive lights, a news release said.

The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association is working with the City of Coeur d’Alene, Panhandle Health District and downtown businesses to address COVID-19 and the local economy, according to the association’s news release.

Panhandle Health District reported 117 new COVID-19 cases Thursday while 49 people are hospitalized with the virus, the district reported. Kootenai County remains in the “red” or highest-risk category for the virus.

But the downtown association still has some holiday celebrations planned that won’t involve crowds, including an “elf on the shelf” treasure hunt.

Starting Nov. 27, “sneaky elves” will be hiding inside downtown shops. Whenever someone finds an elf, they can get a “passport” stamped and win prizes, the release said. Passports can be picked up at participating businesses.

The association’s changes follow the Coeur d’Alene resort’s Wednesday announcement to cancel its Holiday Lights Show ceremony. The Christmas lights, which USA Today ranked as one of 2019’s Top 10 best public light displays in the country, will still turn on Nov. 27 at 6 p.m., but there will be no ceremony or fireworks.