The historic Ennis Fourth of July parade —which brings large crowds, and as a result, business, to the small town each year —has been canceled for 2020.
Mayor Blake Leavitt issued a news release explaining his decision that states:
The number one priority for the Town of Ennis is the health and safety of our residents, employees and visitors. Many community partners and organizations have cancelled or postponed events that coincide with the parade over concerns for their members, due to the inability to effectively enforce social distancing. Currently, rural communities such as Ennis, with low Covid-19 cases have an advantage in keeping the virus at bay due to our geography and low population density. By hosting an event which may bring thousands of people to our community, we would be giving up this advantage by allowing the virus greater potential to spread. Also taken into consideration was that the event would be in direct conflict with Governor Bullock’s Plan of Reopening the Big Sky Phase 2, which recommends cancelling events with over 50 people in attendance. While acknowledging the economic boon the parade represents, it is superseded by the long term economic and public health risks. The Town of Ennis is concerned about keeping our residents, businesses and guests as safe as possible and healthy.
Although Ennis, Montana, will not see a parade come the Fourth, it will have rodeo. The Ennis Fourth of July Rodeo will happen as scheduled on July 3 and 4, being that its held on private property and does not require a city permit.
Ennis Rodeo president Chief Croy assured that the event will look just as it has in years past— with fans in the stands — and while acknowledging that the Coronavirus is still a threat, he told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, “sooner or later you have to turn loose and keep moving forward.”