South King Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 16 canceled its final Santa parade of 2025 due to forecasted high winds, citing safety concerns for firefighters and the public, according to the agency.

The cancellation comes as the National Weather Service again predicted high winds in the area, prompting officials to call off the remaining parade scheduled for this season.

“This is not the news you want to hear nor the news we want to deliver,” South King Fire said in a statement. “We must prioritize the safety of both our fire family and of all of your families.”

Despite multiple parade cancellations this year, South King Fire reported that community members donated more than 3,000 pounds of food to local food banks. Donations included 1,605 pounds collected in the City of Des Moines and 1,671 pounds collected in Federal Way.

In total, the agency said donations benefited the Des Moines Area Food Bank, the Federal Way Senior Center Food Bank and Nutritional Meals Program, and the Multi Service Center. Officials noted the total amount donated matched last year’s total, despite being collected during roughly half the number of parades.

South King Fire encouraged residents who planned to donate food at the canceled parade to drop off items at any South King Fire station or deliver them directly to the participating food banks. Officials said the need for food donations remains high, particularly as recent flooding has increased demand for resources in local communities.