Annual Tomball Night, Parade of Lights canceled due to health concerns

The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce announced via Facebook July 6 that its annual Tomball Night and Parade of Lights would be canceled this year due to health and safety concerns.

The event, which was scheduled for Aug. 7, was expected to bring in 10,000 visitors. The event was canceled as positive coronavirus cases in the Greater Houston area continue to climb.

“We would have loved to put on another memorable night of community togetherness, however, with the uncertainty surrounding the current situation in Texas, this decision is the only responsible solution,” the statement on Facebook reads.

Amy Mason, director of communications for the Chamber, said the decision was made early out of respect for everyone involved with event setup.

"At the end of the day, we would be heartbroken if even one person ended up being sick due to us carrying on Tomball Night," she said.

Tomball Night began almost 50 years ago, as a way for local businesses to stay open late so customers could enjoy sales.

The Facebook post went on to encourage people to continue to support local businesses during these times, while also staying in line with Gov. Greg Abbott's orders to practice social distancing and wear masks in public.

“Our hope is that we will be able to celebrate our Tomball community at next year’s Tomball Night, which is scheduled to be held on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021,” the statement reads.