Fourth Of July Fireworks, Torchlight Parade Canceled In Benicia

BENICIA, CA — The city of Benicia announced Monday that, in an abundance of caution, it will not host its annual Fourth of July festivities this year because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"Unfortunately, Solano County remains one of the few counties still in the more restrictive Red Tier," city officials said in a news release. "Governor Newsom has announced plans to relax regulations and remove the tier system on June 15th. However, mass gatherings are currently not allowed, and the State has provided no indication that mass gatherings will be permitted with the forthcoming changes."

The city and the Benicia Main Street organization traditionally co-sponsor the July 3 Torchlight Parade and July 4 Picnic in the Park and Fireworks Display each year. However, the mass gatherings are of concern because each event draws upward of 20,000 spectators, the city said.

"The City and Benicia Main Street have been waiting for guidance from the Governor’s Office to make a final determination but due to the need to have begun planning some time ago and the lack of specific details from the Governor’s Office, the City wants to give families time to prepare for other celebrations," city officials said Monday.

Benicia City Manager Erik Upson said communities that have announced plans to host Fourth of July festivities are able to do so because they have venues, such as amphitheaters or other spaces, where attendance can be limited and controlled.

"In Benicia, we don’t have the facilities that would allow to limit the size of mass gatherings," Upson said. "The safety of our community remains our top priority. We have the end of this pandemic in sight and can look forward to celebrating again as a community next year."

Smaller neighborhood celebrations are encouraged this year in Benicia, the city said.

"The City’s Parks and Community Services Department will soon announce exciting details of fun 4th of July activities to bring neighborhoods together," city officials said.