A huge jump in insurance costs combined with having only a handful of paid entries has prompted the Manteca Chamber of Commerce to cancel this year’s Memorial Day parade.

In the past, insurance was provided for all chamber events under an umbrella policy costing $900 that covered the non-profit organization. But changes in the insurance industry meant this year the chamber had to secure separate coverage for day-to-day operations plus additional for special events.

The least expensive parade insurance they could find was $1,100 for an hour of coverage.

“It’s disappointing,” said Manteca Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Debby Moorhead. “But we can’t afford to keep losing money on events.”

Moorhead on Friday started to contact those who had entered to tell them of the cancellation. The chamber will refund money to those that paid entry fees plus a $100 check to the one sponsor that stepped forward.

Moorhead said the insurance cost won’t derail the annual Twilight Christmas parade that is an annual downtown Manteca holiday tradition.

She said that unlike the Memorial Day parade, the Christmas procession has all paid entries.

There were a number of entries for the Memorial Day parade but less than a half dozen paid. The chamber doesn’t charge veterans groups’ entry fees.

This would have been the third annual Memorial Day parade.

The chamber will continue to place 2,400 flags along Manteca streets on Memorial Day. If you’d like to assist with that project, call the chamber at 823-6121.

All other Memorial Day weekend observances will go on as scheduled at Woodward Park as well as at South County cemeteries.