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The Little League World Series Grand Slam Parade in August has been canceled, but there is a silver lining -- Williamsport Welcomes the World and Major League Baseball MLB/Little League Classic will be held, Little League and Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce officials said.
The Lycoming County Visitors Bureau will not be conducting the parade, said Jason Fink, CEO and president of the chamber in an announcement released Wednesday afternoon. The series runs Aug. 19 through the 29.
The two-hour-long parade has traditionally been held Wednesday before the opening ceremonies. It has in the past averaged 20,000 to 40,000 spectators.
Fink offered rationale for the decision to cancel the parade.
"Given the understandable manner in which Little League Baseball is proceeding with this year's Little League World Series in keeping the Little League players at the complex, it was determined that this year's parade would not be viable without their participation," he said.
It is an all American teams series this year.
"We look forward to 2022 helping to welcome all 20 teams from throughout the world to enjoy the 75th Little League World Series," Fink said.
Not all is lost with the parade cancellation.
Mayor Derek Slaughter said efforts were being made to keep Williamsport Welcomes the World going this year.
"We are pleased to share that Williamsport Welcomes the World will still be held this year during the Little League World Series," Fink said.
There will be some changes to the event which will include it being moved up one week to the first Friday of the series, he said.
Plans also include to still have a hall of fame baseball player for public autographs during the event, Fink said.
Additionally, the event will be a two-day event, running Friday and Saturday leading into the MLB-Little League Baseball classic being held the following day (Sunday).