Fourth Of July Fireworks Canceled In Stratford Due To Coronavirus

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford's planned Fourth of July fireworks and celebration, originally scheduled for July 1 at Short Beach, is canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“We are very sorry to lose our annual Fourth of July Fireworks celebration this year,” Mayor Laura Hoydick said in a town news release. “The celebration is one that Stratford families have come to enjoy and expect as a rite of summer. However, as the restrictions associated with the Governor’s executive orders begin to relax, and many services and businesses reopen or expand their opening, this is a reminder that we are not in the clear yet.”

The mayor noted one way residents can celebrate summer is with pavilion facility rentals through the Parks and Recreation Department. Pavilion rentals will begin July 6 for town residents. Non-residents will not be allowed to park at town facilities when attending a resident’s pavilion rental. All rentals must be in accordance with state guidelines outlined by the governor's executive order.

Reservations for Short Beach facilities must be made online at townofstratford.recdesk.com/Community/Home. Short Beach Park has three picnic pavilions. Rental for Pavilion 1 is $100 on weekdays, and $200 on weekends and holidays. Pavilions 2 and 3 are $75 on weekdays and $100 on weekends and holidays.

The Boothe Park pavilions remain closed, and are not expected to reopen until sometime in August, although several buildings at the park are expected to open beforehand.