The annual Memorial Day parade in Summit Hill, one of the biggest in the area, likely won’t be held this year. At least not as it has been in the past.

At a cybermeeting of Summit Hill Borough Council on Monday, it was recommended this year’s parade be canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kevin Steber, the borough’s Emergency Management Coordinator, said, “With the current state, my recommendation is the Memorial Day parade be canceled for May.”

The Memorial Day Parade Committee in the borough hasn’t made an official decision on the parade, but the chairman agreed one is unlikely.

Thomas Vermillion, parade chairman, said, “Nothing’s set in stone, yet,” regarding the cancellation. He added, “But I can’t imagine it being held.”

He said there’s a possibility the American Legion and other veterans groups will have a small parade marching in the community. He said the veterans are planning Memorial Day services but will encourage distancing rules be followed.

He stressed the veterans organizations host the individual community services. The parade committee only oversees the annual parade.

Vermillion said the parade generally contains several local high school bands and other youth organizations. “There have been no youth activities,” he said.

He said bands are typically booked by the end of April. With schools closed, no high school bands are available and no other bands have been booked. “We usually back the bands (financially),” he said of the committee.

To do this, an annual fundraising appeal is mailed. Vermillion said the annual campaign will not occur this year.

Local fire departments from throughout the region generally take part in the multi-division parade, but none have been contacted.

“We’re not going to have the normal parade,” he said.

Steber told the council some restrictions in the state are set to expire in mid-May. He told the council emergency management agency officials will be recommending these regulations be extended for another 30 days.