VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — The cancellation of the 2025 Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade has sparked questions and frustration among several local business owners who say the late decision, financial investments already made, and communication afterward left them feeling discouraged.

The parade, scheduled for December 6, 2025, was canceled less than 24 hours before it was set to begin. Businesses, dance teams, nonprofits, and organizations had already prepared floats, vehicles, uniforms, choreography, signage, and decorations in accordance with parade rules and entry requirements provided ahead of time.

Following the cancellation, the City of Valdosta sent an email to parade participants including explaining the decision. The statement read,

The City of Valdosta and public safety partners have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade due to significant weather concerns and staffing constraints related to the anticipated conditions. The safety of our residents, participants, volunteers, and first responders remains our highest priority, and this decision was made after thoughtful review of all available information.

“We understand how much our community looks forward to this tradition each year,” said Interim City Manager Al Crace. “This decision was not made lightly; however, ensuring public safety must always come first. We appreciate the understanding and continued support of our citizens, partners, and parade participants.”

Main Street Manager Patrick Henry Pearson expressed gratitude for the community’s compassion and flexibility. “We are truly thankful for our residents, businesses, and parade participants who pour their hearts into making this event special each year,” said Pearson. “While we share in the disappointment, we remain humbled by the resilience of our community and the outpouring of support. We encourage everyone to continue embracing the holiday spirit by supporting the celebrations hosted by our sister cities.”

While the parade in Valdosta will not take place this weekend, the City encourages families and visitors to enjoy and support the Christmas festivities in our sister cities on Saturday, December 13:

• City of Hahira: 6th Annual Merry Main Street & Parade, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• City of Lake Park: 2025 Christmas Parade, begins at 5:00 PM
• City of Adel: Christmas Parade rescheduled for 6:00 PM
• City of Tifton: Hometown Holidays Parade, 5:00 PM in Downtown Tifton

Mayor Scott James Matheson emphasized the importance of prioritizing community well-being. “This parade is one of Valdosta’s most cherished traditions, and we share in the disappointment felt across our community,” said Mayor Matheson. “However, the well-being of our citizens and our first responders must always guide our decisions. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and encourage families to enjoy the festive celebrations taking place throughout our neighboring communities next weekend.”

The City of Valdosta remains deeply grateful for our regional partners who continue to provide meaningful holiday experiences for families throughout South Georgia. We encourage residents to explore and participate in these celebrations as we collectively embrace the spirit of the season.

In a separate response to questions about refunds and the handling of registration fees, the Central Valdosta Development Authority (CVDA) provided WALB with the following written statement. This statement reads :Thank you for reaching out. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify the facts surrounding the cancellation of the Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade and to ensure the public has accurate information.

While the parade was hosted and administered by the Central Valdosta Development Authority (CVDA), the decision to cancel the event was made by the City of Valdosta due to inclement weather and related public safety concerns. That decision rested solely with the City and was driven by safety, not convenience or cost.

Weather-based cancellations are, by nature, made close to event time in order to rely on the most accurate forecasts available. While the timing was understandably frustrating, it was necessary to protect participants, spectators, and first responders.

Regarding refunds, CVDA has refunded every participant who requested their registration fee back. No request for a refund was denied. Any suggestion that refunds were withheld or refused is inaccurate. Refunds were handled directly and promptly when requested.

As to the use of remaining funds, those monies are not unaccounted for and are not being diverted to unrelated purposes. Consistent with CVDA’s statutory mission, remaining parade funds are allocated to a grant program supporting improvements to downtown buildings. These funds directly benefit the same downtown businesses and property owners impacted by the cancellation.

The parade does not carry cancellation insurance that reimburses individual participant expenses beyond registration fees, which is standard for community events of this nature. Weather-related risk is an inherent aspect of outdoor public events.

CVDA remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the continued support of downtown Valdosta. We welcome scrutiny grounded in facts and are confident in the decisions made and the manner in which this situation was handled says, Stacy Lewis Denmark, Vice-Chair CVDA/Mainstreet Board

One of the businesses affected was Angela Seymour, owner of Perfect Pedal Dance Studio, which operates under the umbrella of Perfect Pedal Dance Studio and includes Perfect Pole Fitness and Healthy Intentional Time. Seymour says the parade is a meaningful opportunity each year for her dance team to perform for the community.

She says weeks of preparation went into choreography, uniforms, and organizing families, and while she understands the safety concerns behind the cancellation, the late notice and lack of clear follow-up left many businesses feeling uncertain.

Seymour says registration language stating there were no rain or makeup dates and that fees were non-refundable led many business owners to believe refunds would only be withheld if a participant chose to withdraw not if the event itself was canceled. She says multiple businesses questioned where registration funds went and what options were available moving forward.

Seymour says she ultimately filed a dispute with her bank, stating the service she paid for was not rendered. She says her concern extends beyond money and centers on professionalism, communication, and maintaining trust between event organizers and the businesses that support community events.

Despite the disappointment, Seymour says she loves Valdosta, values operating her business in the city, and hopes future parades will include clearer cancellation clauses or contingency plans to better support participating businesses.

For those interested in participating in or supporting Perfect Pedal Dance Studio, the business offers dance and fitness programs for a variety of ages and experience levels. The studio can be reached by call or text at 229-389-6294.

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