Just one day after officials announced the cancellation of Auburn’s annual holiday parade due to safety concerns, the city’s police union is stepping in to keep the tradition alive.
In a statement posted on social media, Auburn Police Union Local 195 declared that a holiday parade will happen this year — with or without official backing.
“No matter what decisions are made elsewhere, we refuse to let our community and our children lose the magic of the season,” wrote union president Michael Bufano. “I will personally make sure this happens.”
The announcement comes in response to a prior decision to cancel the city-sponsored parade, which officials said was due to staffing and safety concerns. That news was met with disappointment from residents who look forward to the annual event as a kickoff to the holiday season.
But the police union isn’t letting the parade go without a fight.
“The holiday spirit in Auburn isn’t something that can be canceled,” Bufano wrote. “It lives in our people, our families, and our community — and as long as we’re here, we’ll make sure that spirit shines bright.”
The union has not yet released specific details about the revived parade but encouraged the public to “stay tuned.”
A disclaimer included with the message clarified that the statement reflects the views of the union only, and does not represent the official stance of the City of Auburn or the Auburn Police Department.
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