West Caldwell 4th Of July Fireworks 2020 Canceled

WEST CALDWELL, 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 cancel the annual Fourth of July events, including West Caldwell.

On June 12, West Caldwell Mayor Joe Tempesta issued a public service announcement on local COVID-19 statistics. As part of the update, Tempesta said that due to the restrictions of 500 people gathering outside effective July 3, the 4th of July fireworks celebration would be postponed to either Labor Day weekend or sometime in the fall.

"Also we are attempting to schedule our free gazebo concert series later in the summer as soon as the governor increases the number of outside gatherings to more than 500 people," Tempesta wrote.

However, on Tuesday, borough officials posted a brief notice on the West Caldwell municipal website that read: "The 4th of July Fireworks have been cancelled."

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.

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.

This article contains reporting from the Patch national desk

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.