WPXI-TV Nixes Annual Pittsburgh Holiday Parade

PITTSBURGH, PA — WPXI-TV has pulled off a move worthy of the Grinch.

For nearly four decades, the station's annual holiday parade has been a tradition attracting thousands of people Downtown to celebrate the season. After being postponed last year because of the pandemic, the parade was expected to again play an integral part in the city's holiday festivities.

It won't happen. The station surprisingly announced on Facebook Wednesday that although it was proud to broadcast the event, "At this time, we cannot continue to produce and broadcast the parade."

Does that mean the parade has been permanently ushered into Pittsburgh's past? WPXI implied that's not necessarily the case.

"We know it is a popular part of the holiday tradition for Pittsburghers and leave the door open to future broadcast opportunities if production partners arise," the Facebook post stated. "Thank you to all past participants and parade watchers for the wonderful memories and moments over the years."

The parade has been a holiday staple since 1980 and last year would have marked its 40th anniversary.

Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.