By CHRIS COLLINS
(Greenfield, MA) — There will be no Fourth of July fireworks in Greenfield this year.
Greenfield’s Annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration originally scheduled for July 5, 2020 has been canceled due to the ongoing public health and safety concerns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We tried hard to come up with a safe plan that worked under the current restrictions around large public gatherings, but were not able to resolve the issues,” Greenfield Mayor Roxann Wedgartner said. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s goal has been to keep the community healthy and safe. We hope4 that 2021 will see a return of the fireworks celebration.”
Several uncertainties contributed to the decision to cancel, including the difficulty with adherence to social distancing and current public gathering guidelines. Funding for this year’s event was also a challenge, since the event is supported by generous local businesses, community members, and event vendors, many of whom have experienced financial hardships during the pandemic.
“While we are extremely disappointed to have to cancel fireworks this year, our primary concern is the health and safety of our community,” Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore said. “The decision was made after very careful consideration, consultation with City department heads, the Mayor, and the Recreation Commission, as well as a review of local communities facing similar challenges.”