Aquatennial Torchlight Parade canceled due to storms

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade canceled after heavy rain

The Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade set for Wednesday night had to be canceled after strong storms earlier in the day brought heavy rain that caused flash flooding. FOX 9's Babs Santos caught up with organizers who made the call.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Aquatennial Torchlight Parade set to take place on Wednesday night has been canceled, officials have announced.

Parade canceled

What we know:

The Torchlight Parade was scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday along Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.

However, officials say due to the risk of severe weather this evening, the parade has been canceled.

Minneapolis Downtown Council explains decision

What they're saying:

In a statement, the Minneapolis Downtown Council writes:

"This decision follows extensive exploration of all viable alternatives. It was made in close consultation with local weather experts who have been monitoring conditions closely. The safety and well-being of our participants, spectators, volunteers, and staff remain our highest priority. We are deeply grateful for the time, effort, and enthusiasm of all those involved in bringing this beloved tradition to life, and we share in the disappointment of this outcome."

Kittie Fahey, the Senior Director for the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, also spoke with FOX 9.

"There was a lot of conversations being had. It was quite a spreadsheet. Devastating for everybody, I mean staff, volunteers, participants, we’ve got folks coming in from across the region," Fahey said. "There’s so many levels of disappointment in it, but we do have a few other days left."

Big picture view:

Aquatennial kicked off on Wednesday with events running through Saturday. The event will be capped off with a fireworks display near the Stone Arch Bridge on Saturday at 10 p.m.

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