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A Different Look for the Holidays in West Alabama

BY DCL STAFF

The holiday season is fast approaching – and throughout West Alabama, plans are in the works for COVID-19-safe activities for residents. Among them: a socially distanced movie in Jaycee Park, “Santa Sightings” events, the annual tree lighting, a special performance from Theatre Tuscaloosa, and plenty of ice skating at Holidays on the River.

The annual West Alabama Christmas Parade always draws big crowds in downtown Tuscaloosa. Unfortunately, this year, officials with Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority decided to cancel the event due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Original plans were to hold a “reverse parade” – a stationary display of floats and decorated vehicles, with viewers driving by to see them.

“In March, when COVID-19 guidelines were first enacted, we knew that we might not be able to host the typical parade with 15,000+ people in attendance, as we typically do,” said Becky Booker, parade chairperson. “We researched, studied different methods, and talked with peers across the nation and then planned a ‘reverse’ parade.”

The hope was that the reverse parade would allow for safe social distancing. But with COVID numbers growing in the area and citing “low participation numbers,” the decision was made to reschedule. It marks the first time in the parade’s 45-year history that it hasn’t been presented by PARA.

(Safe) Holiday Fun for All

There are plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the holidays safely throughout the season.

On Dec. 4, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse will take place at 6 p.m. Immediately following, Theatre Tuscaloosa will present “Lights Out for Christmas in Cootah County: A Country (COVID) Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m. at Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa.

The organization has commissioned playwright and Alabama native Stephen Tyler Davis to create and direct a comedic adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” set in the South during the time of COVID.

Also, PARA will hold the first of its “Santa Sightings” – a chance to take selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus – at Government Plaza from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Patrons are requested to wear a face covering and practice social distancing per the City of Tuscaloosa and State of Alabama guidelines. Both the tree lighting and the play are free and open to the public. Additionally, food trucks will be present at Government Plaza, and the First Friday Art Walk will be held with feature galleries open from 5-8 p.m.

Holidays on the River returned to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater just before Thanksgiving. As in years past, the event features outdoor ice skating, horsedrawn carriage rides, and more. But city officials say special health and safety precautions will be in place, in accordance with CDC, state, and local guidelines.

Additional spacing will be provided for parties, the ice rink will be kept to 50% capacity, and sanitizing stations will be placed around the Amphitheater.