A road construction project has forced Fraser officials to cancel the City Parade, which showcases a slice of life in the community.

City Manager Elaine Leven stated the decision was made after reviewing the remaining schedule of the $8.3 million reconstruction of a one-mile stretch Garfield Road between 14 Mile and 15 Mile roads.

“Unfortunately, construction on Garfield is not going to be done on time, so we are not going to be able to have the parade this year,” she told the City Council at Thursday’s meeting.

The annual City Parade usually kicks off the final day of the four-day Fraser Lions Festival, which this year will be held Aug. 21-24.

Hundreds of people typically gather in lawn chairs, wagons, three-wheeled vehicles and on foot along Garfield to cheer on participants in the procession.

Last year, the 32-unit parade included elected officials, the high school marching band, veterans groups, dance troupes, area businesses and others as they celebrated a small-town lifestyle with a showcase of the Fraser community.

Jamie Pietron, a Fraser High School graduate, told The Macomb Daily in 2024 that she enjoyed gathering with friends and family to watch the procession.

“It’s a tradition,” she said. “After the parade, we’ll walk over to the fair to see what’s going on. I think it’s nice because Fraser is a small community and we see people I went to high school with, and their kids, so we all catch up.”

The parade for the 14,500-resident, four-square-mile community was also cancelled along with the Festival in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The city manager said she is exploring different options to take the place of the parade.

“So look for something cool and different,” Leven said.

The Lions Festival takes place at Steffens Park behind City Hall on Garfield at 14 Mile Road. It includes a carnival, refreshments, live entertainment, and is capped off by a colorful fireworks display.