No Fireworks For Newton This July 4

NEWTON, MA — For the second time in 30 years there will be no fireworks above Newton for the Fourth of July, according to an announcement this week from Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and Newton Community Pride.

"The fireworks draw over 10,000 people, and [the city decided] it just wasn't safe," said Newton Community Pride's Executive Director Blair Lesser Sullivan.

This week’s State vaccination information shows that 72,495 Newtonians, or 79 percent residents, have had at least one vaccine dose. The state data also shows that 71 percent of Newton’s population is now fully vaccinated with 8 percent partially vaccinated. The state data shows that some 95 percent of Newton residents who are 30 and older are partially or fully vaccinated.

Still, with not everyone vaccinated and the fireworks a draw to people outside the city, the city opted to forego the 'works.

During its three-decade history, the fireworks were postponed once on account of in climate weather, but last year was the first year they were canceled. Out of an abundance of caution the city decided to cancel them again this year.

Although Newton's fireworks have been canceled, the city has come up with several other ways to celebrate: from concerts, to swimming to children's events complete with pet parade.

Historic Newton will host a reading of the Frederick Douglass address "What to the salve is the Fourth of July" at 2 p.m. July 3 at the Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington St. There will be special museum hours from noon to 5 p.m. with free admission.

The New Philharmonia Pops Concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 3 at the Newton Centre Bowl. The event will feature Aaron Copland’s "Lincoln Portrait." The rain date is 4 p.m. July 5.

There will be a "Kids Morning" from 10 a.m. to noon July 4. David Polansky will perform in concert at the Newton Centre Bowl, off Tyler Terrace adjacent to the playground. There will be a children’s patriotic costume promenade and a grand pet parade. The event will also include a live paper sculpture event and a Kids Kraft Korner to make a July 4th parade wand.

The Gath Pool and Crystal Lake will be open from noon to 5 p.m. July 4. Picnic, music and swim will also be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Albemarle Field, adjacent to the Gath Pool. A day pass is available for $5 and kids younger than 5 are free. The final event will include a concert at the Newton Centre Bowl at 6:30 p.m.

Newton Festival of the Arts is back this year, too. Events will be taking place on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, as well.