FORNEY, Texas — The annual Christmas on Main event in downtown Forney has been canceled due to forecasted rain on Saturday, according to City of Forney Special Events Coordinator Alexa Beasley.
FORNEY, Texas — The annual Christmas on Main event in downtown Forney has been canceled due to forecasted rain on Saturday, according to City of Forney Special Events Coordinator Alexa Beasley.
"While it was difficult to come to this conclusion, staff based the decision off the consensus local and national forecasts predicting Saturday to be a 'washout' with long periods of precipitation throughout the day," the City of Forney stated in a press release moments ago. "The likelihood of rain during the event would not only affect public safety, but also prohibit the City from operating a number of the activities such as the bounce houses and ice-skating rink."
“We have to make this call early in order to advise vendors and comply with cancellation requirements to avoid fees,” Beasley stated in an email to vendors. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but many of attractions and entertainment we bring in are already scheduled in different locations for other dates.”
Beasley says the vendors will rollover and be guaranteed a space in the 2017 Christmas event.
"While the event will be cancelled and not rescheduled, residents will still be able to participate in activities on Tuesday, December 6 in Downtown Forney. Though details remain to be confirmed, the City will be hosting the downtown Christmas Tree Lighting that evening at 6:30 p.m.," stated the City of Forney.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony will include Santa's arrival, Forney ISD choir performances like in years past, and the official tree lighting ceremony.
"Santa will be on hand to listen to holiday wish lists and take the ever-important pictures with the children after the ceremony has concluded. We will provide more details as they are confirmed," states the release.
Currently, the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, Texas, is forecasting a 70 percent chance of rain on Saturday with a high temperature near 50 degrees. Chances of rain Saturday night slightly decrease to 60 percent. Wind speeds during the day are expected to be 10 to 15 miles an hour with wind gusts as high as 20 miles per hour.
"We always strive to provide the best product or event for our residents and in this case, we felt that due to the inclement weather, it would not be possible," stated City of Forney Public Information Officer Kyle Rouvaldt. "We apologize for any inconvenience cancelling this event has caused anyone. We would still like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and look forward to seeing everyone at the Tree Lighting ceremony on December 6."
The Forney Lions Club Angel Tree adoption event will be moved to Brookshires on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. If needed, adoptions will continue on Monday morning. There are 201 angels in this year's adoption.
In 2013, the Christmas on Main event was also canceled due to inclement weather.
This is a developing story.
