Melrose Fourth of July Will Be Celebrated Differently

MELROSE, MA — Fourth of July will be celebrated in spirit, but not like it's usually been observed over the past five decades here.

Fourth of July celebrations, like all things, are being severely impacted by the coronavirus. The city announced this year people are not encouraged to gather around the Common — a tradition that has lasted for more than 50 years.

But the Bike and Carriage parade is still on, kind of. The city is encouraging people to decorate bikes, wagons, carriages and more to celebrate in their neighborhoods, nearby parks and downtown areas rather than gather at one place.

"As a community [let's] light up Melrose with all of our Independence Day spirit!" the Recreation Department said in a flyer.

The city still asks that people observe social distancing and face coverings on July 4.