LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The Lowndes High Georgia Bridgemen will no longer perform in the Inaugural Parade.

Lauren Odom, Lowndes County Schools Director of Public Relations made this announcement Friday evening. The statement reads as follows:

Viking Family,

We are disappointed to announce that we have just been contacted by the 60th Presidential Inauguration Committee and informed that the opportunity has been canceled for all participants in the Inaugural Parade, including the Lowndes High Georgia Bridgemen. This is due to Winter Storm Demi, which is expected to include severe arctic weather blasts, which could be hazardous to the health of our students. The safety of our staff and students is always our top priority; we do not consider travel safe in this weather. This news is incredibly disappointing for both the students and our entire community.

This event was a monumental opportunity for our Bridgemen to showcase their hard work and dedication on a national stage. We had all hoped to see them represent Georgia in such a historic setting, especially after the challenges our community has faced in the past year.

We are heartbroken about this turn of events; please understand that the cancellation is beyond our control.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Earlier in the day, we learned that President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural ceremony is expected to be moved indoors because of severe cold weather forecasted to impact Washington D.C.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th.”

As a result, Trump has said that he will host a modified inaugural parade.

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