Labor Day Parade, Oktoberfest Canceled In Gaithersburg

GAITHERSBURG, MD — You can now add Gaithersburg's Labor Day Parade and Oktoberfest to the list of canceled events due to COVID-19.

City officials made the announcement on Monday, citing public health concerns as the virus continues to spread in Montgomery County and surge in other parts of the U.S. The celebrations will be held online instead.

The Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade was originally scheduled for Monday, Sept. 7 — while Oktoberfest was set for Sunday, Oct. 11.

Here's how the City of Gaithersburg will celebrate both events this year:

Labor Day Parade

A video celebrating the history of the Labor Day Parade will be available on the city's Special Events Facebook page and YouTube channel on Sept. 7.

The celebration will also include a "Salute to Everyday Working Heroes." Kids participating in the city's FunZone summer camps have been recording videos to thank health care workers, grocery store clerks, and the many others working during the pandemic. Their messages can be found throughout Labor Day weekend on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is the second time in 82 years that there hasn't been a Labor Day Parade in Gaithersburg. The last time this happened was during World War II.

Oktoberfest

Plans are still being developed for virtual activities, according to officials. Patch will provide updates as they become available.