Cedar Grove Independence Fireworks Are On, With Changes: UPDATED

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — Most of Cedar Grove’s summer events and programs have been cancelled amid the coronavirus crisis. But the town’s annual Independence Day fireworks show will go on this year – sort of.

Last week, town officials in Cedar Grove laid out plans for this year’s celebration, which was originally set for Thursday, July 2 with a rain date of Friday, July 3.

However, town officials later moved the date of the event to Friday, July 3 in order to take advantage of the 500-person gatherings limit set under Gov. Phil Murphy's executive orders.

Organizers provided the following update about the 2020 celebration, noting that the Panther Park lot will open at 7 p.m.:

"There will be a maximum of 500 people allowed on the multi-purpose field and surrounding grass area. Please cooperate with us on this, as we may have to turn some people away once we reach capacity. Six-foot social distancing is still required. Personal Protective Equipment is not required, but recommended. Bathroom facilities will be closed. NO FOOD or camping chairs will be allowed on turf field. Other parking lots in town such as CVS and St. Catherine's have a good view as well, but you must get permission to park at those facilities on your own."

The fireworks display will also be live-streamed on the Cedar Grove Recreation Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cedargroverec.

Earlier this month, Cedar Grove officials announced that several programs were canceled, including the annual Memorial Day parade, Clean Sweep and the summer concert and movies series. All township recreation programs were also canceled, including sports camps and summer yoga.

“We understand that these activities are a big part of our Cedar Grove families’ summer plans, but it is imperative to remember that this is the only way we can guarantee that the successes we have had ‘flattening the curve’ remain consistent in our efforts to control the spread of this virus,” Township Manager Thomas Tucci stated.

• See related article: 5 Essex County Towns Surpass 1,000 Coronavirus Cases
• See related article: Essex County Has Third-Highest Coronavirus Fatality Rate In NJ

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