Fall Festival Canceled In Parsippany For 2nd Straight Year

PARSIPPANY, NJ — For the second straight year, Parsippany's Fall Festival will not take place. The township canceled the large gathering because of an increase in COVID-19 cases in the area, according to a township spokesperson.

"This was a difficult decision," said Peter Koerella, Parsippany's chief information officer. " ... We have decided the best course of action would be to postpone the event until it’s safe to hold it in a way we’re accustomed to and that the event deserves, in a safe and health-conscious manner."

The township will look to hold an alternative event later in the season if possible. But it will depend on the local severity of COVID-19 cases. Officials will let residents know more details once they're finalized.

"In the meantime, we ask residents to please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid crowds, ventilate indoor spaces, wash your hands whenever possible, and talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated for COVID-19," Koerella said.

Morris County officials reported 66 new cases in Parsippany from Aug. 24 to Thursday, bringing the county's most populous town to 4,520 cases since the pandemic began.

Parsippany held its first major gathering in more than a year with its Fourth of July celebration. The township then held an outdoor concert July 15.

Within that span, Morris County reported 17 or fewer new COVID-19 cases per day. But infections have risen since then, with Morris County averaging 75.6 new cases per day over the past week, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

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