Ruiz and his family arrived in downtown Fresno early to watch the 80th Annual Christmas Parade. But 30 minutes before the event started, organizers decided to cancel it.
Israel Lerma said, "Very disappointed, we came out here thinking we would see a bit of action but I guess not."
City officials say they waited until the last minute, hoping the rain would stop, but after only a few floats showed up, they made their final decision and told maintenance crews to tear the main stage down.
Fresno's Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Service said they have no plans to reschedule the event. "Logistically, it's just a lot of effort and a lot of people and a lot of time and we appreciate everyone who showed up this morning," said Randall Cooper Director of Fresno Parks, Recreation and Community Service.
Fresno's Christmas parade wasn't the only event cancelled today because of the rain. In Kerman, their Annual Holiday Festival has been put on hold. It's the first time that's happened since the event started 12 years ago. "If we can obtain a permit from Cal Trans, we will have our parade next Saturday, weather permitting," said Linda Geringer with Kerman Chamber of Commerce.
Sally Rocha is keeping her fingers crossed. The Fresno-based vendor was scheduled to sell food and novelty items in both Fresno and Kerman Saturday, now she's hoping to get back to work next week. "Business is slow to begin with anyways so it's slower than it is now. So we gotta do whatever it is we gotta do."
Mariposa also cancelled their Annual Christmas Parade Saturday.
As for Fresno, officials here say next year, they plan on taking more precautions in case they run into the same problem again.
