RICHMOND, Va. -- Stop us if you've heard this before, but things are going to look a little different in 2020.
The 37th Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade is still scheduled to broadcast Saturday, December 5, at 10 a.m. on CBS 6.
But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CBS 6 and the parade team got into the Christmas spirit earlier than ever and recorded the parade in October.
In an effort to address any COVID-19 safety concerns you might have while watching the parade, we put together this question and answer post:
What is new this year?
Although we could not have as many groups and floats as we have had in the past, those we could invite were able to spend more time showcasing their talents and put together special performances just for this year’s broadcast-only parade.
We have singers, dancers, clowns, a juggler, fire batons, and a performance from the Disney Princesses.
We also have a house band, Christmas floats, and flashbacks to favorite moments from past Christmas parades.
Plus, you can download coloring pages for your kids so they can color scenes from the parade as they watch it!
When was the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade recorded?
Because we wanted to safely carry on this beloved Christmas tradition, we recorded the parade in late October.
Did anyone test positive after the production of the parade?
In the 30 days following production, no one on the production team, nor anyone connected to the filming reported a positive COVID-19 test.
That's good to hear. What safety precautions were taken to make this production as safe as possible for the crew and parade participants?
Of course, we know the virus can spread very easily when close contact is allowed. For that reason, the following safety protocols were followed during parade production:
- No more than 4 groups were scheduled to be on the property each hour (filmed over 6 hours to accommodate all groups)
- Each group was assigned to a large staging block and asked to remain socially distant both within their group and from other participating groups
- Groups were required to stay in their staging block until called for filming
- Masks were required in the filming area for all participants and volunteers and were only allowed to be removed during filming
- Handwashing stations were provided in the staging area in addition to hand sanitizer and extra masks
- All filming took place outdoors
- No spectators were permitted on the property
- All groups were very cooperative and compliant with the requirements
- All interviews were conducted with social distancing/mask precautions
- Parade hosts Cheryl Miller and Rob Cardwell were separated by plexiglass
When can I watch the parade?
The parade will premiere on CBS 6 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 5.
It will rebroadcast on Christmas morning.
You will also be able to watch the parade whenever you'd like on CBS 6's Roku and Amazon Fire channels and the CBS 6 YouTube page.
Who is this year's Grand Marshal?
April O’Quinn! Who is April O’Quinn, you ask? Click here, we reply.
