BATAVIA – A 42-year-old patriotic tradition will return in changed fashion this spring, following an announcement by the Batavia VFW that the annual Loyalty Day Parade will not be held.

Instead, the post plans a Loyalty Day Celebration on May 7, according to a news release from Post Commander Joshua Pfeuffer.

“Our organization has a wonderful group of volunteers that, just like the many generations before us, have ensured the success of our organization and the community activities we have supported for over 80 years,” Pfeuffer said in the release. “The parade has been a Batavia tradition for over 40 years. However, due to the tremendous workload and stress, it is with sadness I inform you that our organization has made the decision not to organize a Loyalty Day Parade for 2017.”

In its place, the post plans a family-friendly, community picnic and barbecue, with special activities for children, the release stated.

Pfeuffer described the coming event as an opportunity to “all get together and reflect upon why we are loyal to our great nation.”

The rain-or-shine gathering will be held at the Batavia VFW Post, 645 S. River St. The post will announce additional details later.

“As a last thought on this subject, I would like to especially thank the city of Batavia, police, fire and all of the others within our community for their professionalism and support with the previous Loyalty Day parades,” Pfeuffer said. “It has truly been a community event.”

Last year, the parade involved numerous road detours affecting Route 25, Route 31, Wilson Street and the Donovan Bridge. Motorists also were advised to use the Fabyan Parkway and Route 56 bridges as detours.