NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The iconic Village Halloween Parade has been canceled over coronavirus concerns, the event's director told The New York Post Tuesday.
Gene Flemming said the 47th annual parade's theme was going to be "Big Love" and feature "Pose" star Billy Porter as its grand marshall.
“It was going to be a big embrace and a pushing out of love right before the election," Flemming said of the parade, which winds its way through Greenwich Village. "So it’s a devastating blow to the energy of the people. It’s not political in any way — it’s about the creativity of New Yorkers."
Flemming said the parade's board made the decision to pull the plug on the parade in recent weeks.
The parade's after-party, which was going to take place at the old Webster Hall space in the East Village, has also been canceled.
But Flemming promises that the non-profit arts organization which runs the parade has a "trick" up its sleeve -- which she won't divulge.
But unlike many other events that have gone virtual, this "trick" won't be.
"We just couldn’t do it online — it’s way too expensive,” she said. "It’s going to be COVID safe, and big, but not gathering a crowd."
She added, "I know how much the city needs the parade right now. Also, it’s trick or treat, right? So we’re going to do a trick."