DES MOINIES, Iowa - The St. Patrick's Day parade scheduled for Tuesday in downtown Des Moines has bee postponed. Organizers made the announcement Sunday morning after saying the parade would go on as planned earlier in the weekend.
Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie said Saturday that he would prefer the parade not take place, and Sunday issued a state of emergency for city. In that statement, Cownie called for all gatherings of 250 or more people to be cancelled due to concerns over coronavirus.
The state department of Health announced the first case of coronavirus in Polk County Sunday. The person is a middle-aged adult, and is the third case of community spread in the state.
The parade organizers released the following statement Sunday:
"This morning the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick decided to cancel the parade. In coordination with the City of Des Moines and after consideration of all factors, the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be postponed until a later date can be determined.
This decision is based upon the facts of the situation from City and State Officials. We will determine if there is an appropriate date in the future or if we will cancel until 2021."