Barnegat's 4th Of July Fireworks 2020 Canceled

BARNEGAT, NJ — July 4 events across the country will not look the same this year thanks to the coronavirus. But Long Beach Township will hold a fireworks display.

Many cities and towns have been forced to cancel the annual Fourth of July events, including Barnegat.

Long Beach Township will host a fireworks display at 9 p.m. July 4 at 68th Street in Branch Beach on the bay, "socially distancing style."

The township recommends watching from a rooftop deck, boat or a street end. Bayview Park and the Long Beach Township parking lots will be closed to the public. Only ticketed and invited health care workers and first responders will be allowed into the park.

See the Facebook event here.

Earlier this year, Barnegat chose to move their fireworks display from the bayfront to the high school. The news felt surprising or upsetting to some residents, but Police Chief Keith A. Germain recommended the change for safety reasons. Read more: Barnegat Fireworks Move From Bayfront; Chief Had Safety Concerns

This would've been the first year that Barnegat displays fireworks at the high school, but that will have to wait.

Beach Haven's fireworks have also been canceled, according to Bay Village. They hope to reschedule them when the limit on outdoor gatherings gets closer to the crowd size they usually get.

Fireworks Alternatives?

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute. Check your event before you go.

The Lakwood BlueClaws will host a Red, White, and BlueClaws Fireworks Extravaganza on July 3. The team will allow 450 people inside FirstEnergy Park and let people watch the fireworks from their vehicles in the parking lot.

A fireworks show will take place at 9 p.m. July 4 on Shelter Cove Beach in Toms River. Organizers will comply with Governor Phil Murphy's executive orders and are working hard to create a safe environment, according to the Sipe Adjustment Group, the event's sponsor.

Although many displays won't take place on July 4, now could be a good time to plan trips to future fireworks shows.

Beachwood postponed its fireworks to Labor Day, Sept. 5, "for the health and safety of all involved," said Mayor Ron Roma. The donation-funded pyrotechnics show dates back to 1922, when flare guns were used to send the fireworks into the sky. It draws thousands to the banks of the Toms River every July 4, from Island Heights on the north bank of the river, to spots in Ocean Gate and Berkeley Township farther downstream.

The State Fair Meadowlands, which normally has fireworks on July 3 and 4, is now running instead from July 23 through Aug. 9. When they update their schedule it will be here.

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks are taking place on July 4 as usual, and will be shown on NBC. The store chain has not yet announced specifics.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Check out this roundup of everything from barbecue essentials to patriotic table decor to be sure your July 4 is the best in the USA.