Somerville Cancels 4th Of July Fireworks, June Events

SOMERVILLE, MA — All Somerville-sponsored or permitted events and large public gatherings are canceled through June. This includes the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks, which are usually held a week before the holiday.

"This is about preventing deaths and slowing the spread of COVID-19," Mayor Joseph Curtatone said in a statement. "As we saw with the Biogen conference in Boston earlier this year, this disease can very easily spread through a single event."

Other summer favorites like PorchFest and early SomerStreets festivals are among the cancellations. The Somerville Arts Council, which launched the Home Alone and Somerville Creates series online, is examining ways to virtually hold PorchFest.

Somerville is also extending the deadline on property and excise taxes and water bills. Property tax bills, which were originally due May 1, may now be paid by June 29 without interest or penalty. For excise tax and water bills, the Treasury Department will not charge any interest or penalties for bills with a due date of March 10 or later, as long as they are paid by June 29.

However, because taxes and water and sewer fees fund essential services, residents and homeowners who are able to pay on time are encouraged to do so.

"With so many people having lost income during this crisis, this is one way we can help alleviate the immediate financial burden," Curtatone said. "At the same time, if you have not suffered financial impacts, by paying on time, you can help make it possible for the City to accept late payments from those who need this relief right now. So I am also asking that those who can pay on time do their part to support those who cannot."