Worcester Latest City To Cancel July 4 Due To Coronavirus

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester has called off its live Independence Day celebration this year, opting instead to celebrate the holiday with an online event.

Event sponsors Worcester Regional Chamber and Fallon Healthcare announced the cancellation Thursday citing the risk of drawing large crowds during the coronavirus pandemic. The annual event at Cristoforo Colombo Park (East Park) along Shrewsbury Street has drawn up to 30,000 people in past years.

In addition to fireworks, the city's July 4 celebration typically includes activities for kids, food trucks, and a ceremonial flag raising. The organizers did not immediately release details about how the virtual July 4 event would proceed this year. The Worcester Cultural Coalition will aid with the online celebration.

Several other cities in Massachusetts have called off Independence Day this year due to coronavirus, most notably Boston and Plymouth. The Boston Pops is also planning to hold an online concert instead of its usual performance at the Hatch Memorial Shell.