After Nearly 60 Birthday Parades, Manhattan Fire Pumps The Breaks

MANHATTAN, IL — The Manhattan Fire Protection District announced Friday what a privilege it's been to participate in nearly 60 birthday parades across the district since April 1. However, the fire protection district said that as the state moves closer to the next phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois Plan, they will no longer be participating in birthday parades.

"We appreciate your understanding and we would like to say 'Thank You' for letting us be a part of your birthday celebrations these last few months!" The fire protection district said in a Facebook post.

In addition, the Village of Manhattan Police Department announced Thursday that the Manhattan Public Safety Community Night in Conjunction with National Night Out scheduled for July 31 has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic

Illinois Coronavirus Update June 15: 132,543 Cases, 6,308 Deaths; Don't miss updates about precautions in the Manhattan area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Related: Public Safety Community Night, National Night Out Cancelled

Several police and fire departments across the Chicago area took part in drive-by parades due to social distancing guidelines implemented by state officials amid the coronavirus pandemic.

More updates: Manhattan Fire Protection District