Bloomfield 4th Of July Fireworks 2020 Postponed

BLOOMFIELD, NJ – July 4 events across the country will not look the same this year thanks to the coronavirus. Many cities and towns have been forced to postpone their annual Fourth of July events, including Bloomfield.

On June 17, Bloomfield officials announced that the town's annual Independence Day celebration, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, July 4 at Foley Field, has been postponed.

The new date is "tentatively scheduled" for Saturday, Sept. 12, officials said.

"It is the Parks Department's intention to provide entertainment, food, amusements and of course, fireworks," Bloomfield officials stated. "However, it must adhere to all state and local rules at the time of the scheduled event. More details will be released as it gets closer to the date."

"Throughout the year, we try our best to provide a multitude of fun activities for residents of all ages," Mayor Michael Venezia said. "Our Parks Department has done a great job putting together weekly drive-in movie nights which will begin tonight, as well as hosting virtual summer fitness classes. As a result of COVID-19, we have had to make adjustments to our planned activities in order to comply with CDC and state guidelines and keep everyone safe. With the state slowly beginning to reopen, we hope that we will have more opportunities for recreation in the near future."

• See related article: Bloomfield Dept. Of Parks/Rec Releases Update On Summer Activities

ESSEX COUNTY

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. announced on June 1 that the 2020 Essex County Summer Music Concert Series and Fireworks displays have been cancelled because of the coronavirus.

"Our Summer Concert Series and Fireworks Spectaculars are much anticipated events that attract spectators from throughout Essex County and beyond," DiVincenzo said. "They are an opportunity for us to bond as a community, enjoy an evening outdoors, and celebrate the birth of our nation and our freedoms. However, our battle against the coronavirus is far from over. In the abundance of caution, we have decided that cancelling our concerts and fireworks displays are the best option to help keep our residents safe. We look forward to next year when we can gather together again in the cool summer evenings and enjoy our favorite music in our beautiful parks."
Essex County traditionally has hosted three Fireworks Spectaculars in Branch Brook and Weequahic Parks in Newark and Brookdale Park in Bloomfield/Montclair to celebrate Independence Day.

In recent years, the Summer Concert Series has included about 30 different events that have included a variety of music genres, cover bands and day-long festivals.

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 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.

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