The Monument Square District in Urbana has announced the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Urbana Holiday Horse Parade out of caution following concerns about the Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) outbreak.

The virus, which originated earlier this month at the WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas—an event that hosted roughly 700 horses—has since surfaced in multiple states. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, a case was confirmed in Madison County, Ohio. While officials believe the local case did not originate in Texas, the exact source remains unknown.

EHV-1 is a highly contagious virus affecting horses and other equine species. Symptoms can include fever, respiratory illness, and abortion in pregnant mares. In its most dangerous form—Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM)—the virus can cause severe neurological symptoms and can be fatal. Although vaccines for EHV-1 exist, there is currently no vaccine proven to prevent the neurological form associated with this strain. The virus spreads through close horse-to-horse contact, shared equipment, and potentially airborne droplets, but it poses no risk to humans or non-equine animals.

The Monument Square District encourages the community to stay informed through the Equine Disease Communication Center HERE.

Despite the cancellation, holiday festivities will continue downtown as organizers work to preserve the spirit of the season. A modified schedule for Black Friday, November 28, has been released:

10:00 AM – Specialty shops & fine dining open for Black Friday shopping

4:00 PM – Vendors in the Square open

4:30–8:30 PM – Holiday music fills the streets

5:15 PM – Community caroling in Legacy Park

5:30 PM – Tree lighting ceremony

6:00 PM – Santa arrives by horse-drawn wagon at the front of People’s Bank

6:15 PM – Santa Land opens at Oxner’s General Store, 122 South Main Street

6:00–8:00 PM – Horse-drawn wagon rides offered downtown

Organizers say more details will be shared soon as they finalize Plan B, which includes Santa’s visit, carriage rides, the tree lighting, and expanded downtown holiday experiences.

The community is encouraged to support local businesses, enjoy the seasonal programming, and help keep both holiday traditions and the equine community safe this year.