"No one of any authority ever said there was not going to be a Christmas parade in the future. For various reasons unrelated to the parade, the city has ended the contract with the entity that was charged with organizing the parade for the past several years. This has no bearing on the future of the Christmas parade. We are in the process of evaluating these events and programs to determine where and with what entity they will land in the future.
The claim that there will not be a Christmas parade next year has quickly devolved into nothing more than a conspiracy theory with a wide following of individuals that are spreading false information, such as the change.org petition, along with countless phone calls and emails to various staff at City Hall distracting them from their normal duties. It is a shame that certain individuals are utilizing their energy to disseminate false information within our community, rather than using that passion towards something positive and helpful. Christmas is a time when we band together and make a positive difference with our family, friends, neighbors and community; not a time to engage in needless gossip of false information.
I view the Christmas parade as a time to spread joy and visit with friends and acquaintances, just as we did last Friday evening. I want to be very clear; so long as I am the mayor of Rogers there will continue to be a Christmas parade."
- Mayor Greg Hines