Deacon Dave Cancels 2020 Christmas Display Amid Pandemic

LIVERMORE, CA — Rev. Deacon Dave's famed Christmas extravaganza has been canceled this year due to concerns about the coronavirus.

There will be no lights or displays, he said in a letter to the community. A scaled-back version of the event was originally planned to begin Dec. 4.

Many volunteers are at risk of facing serious complications from COVID-19, he wrote, and it would be difficult to enforce masks and social distancing policies. Organizers considered alternatives but did not see a scenario in which there would not be traffic problems or a need for volunteers.

"God willing and with the grace of God, I and my team of volunteers will be back next year to put on one of the Tri-Valley's largest annual Christmas displays," he wrote, calling for prayers for those who have lost loved ones, jobs and time with family members as a result of the pandemic.

Last year marked the 37th anniversary of Deacon Dave's Christmas display. There were 600,000 lights, choir performances — and of course — the famed Proposal Bridge, where dozens of engagements have taken place.

"May God bless you in the coming Christmas season and may we reflect on the reason for the season, the child in the manger," he wrote in closing. "May the coming blessings of Christmas be upon your family."