Montclair's 4th Of July Fireworks 2020 Canceled

MONTCLAIR, 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 Montclair.

For the first time in more than 100 years, Montclair's annual 4th of July Celebration has been cancelled.

In May, with restrictions on large public gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic still in place, the Montclair Celebrates committee announced this year's event is a no-go. All planned public activities related to the holiday are part of the cancellation, including the parade and the community picnic at Edgemont Park.

The cancellation also includes the fireworks display that usually takes place at Yogi Berra Stadium, a township spokesperson said.

The volunteer committee is working on plans to recognize the holiday through a virtual presentation. This year's grand marshal, Dan Gill, a teacher at Glenfield Middle School for 50 years, will be honored at next year's parade.

The decision was reached after a consultation with the township manager, organizers said.

"We are deeply disappointed that we must cancel the July 4th celebrations, but in the interest of public safety and to protect the health and wellness of the parade participants, we made the decision to call off the events, said Donnie DiGeronimo, spokesperson for the Montclair Celebrates July 4th Committee.

"Next year, we will continue the tradition with renewed spirit and celebrate with the Montclair community," DiGeronimo said.

Organizers added:

"According to Governor Murphy's multi-stage approach to lift restrictions on large public gatherings in light of challenges related to COVID-19, New Jersey is in Stage 1, with some low-risk activities allowed with appropriate safeguards. A parade and a community picnic that typically draws thousands of participants from around the region do not match the criteria for Stage 1 activities. There is no timeline in place for the restoration of large public gatherings."

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.