FREEHOLD – As of May 4, it was unclear if the 146th Memorial Day parade in Freehold Borough would proceed as planned.
The parade is set for May 25, but the event is in jeopardy due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 7,700 New Jersey residents and has kept the state in a virtual lockdown since mid-March.
To help limit the spread of the virus, Gov. Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 104, which implements social distancing measures and prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people.
Councilman George Schnurr, who is the Borough Council’s liaison to the Memorial Day Parade Committee, said a parade is being planned, but whether it will take place is undecided at this time.
Executive Order No. 104 is scheduled to expire on May 15. If the order is extended through Memorial Day, the parade will not be held. If the order is not extended through Memorial Day, borough officials will make a decision on whether to hold the parade, according to the councilman.