Andrews show
possible July 5
Fireworks have been a Fourth of July tradition dating back to the 18th century, when Philadelphia hosted the first organized celebration of Independence Day in 1777.
With festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues, July 4 has been celebrated as the birth of American independence across the United States each year without fail.
Although several cities and communities throughout the nation have canceled their official July 4 celebrations this year amid fears of spreading the coronavirus, local lawmakers are adamant that the COVID-19 pandemic will not end the streak of celebrating America’s independence because a break from tradition would be defeatism.
“I wouldn’t dare cancel the fireworks show; that’s part of who we are,” Murphy Mayor Rick Ramsey told the Cherokee Scout. “Whatever the social distancing guidelines are at the time will be highly recommended, but people will have to simply use their common sense.”
Town officials planned to host a Saturday, July 4, celebration downtown to attract consumers
to businesses that lost revenue this spring due to Gov. Roy Cooper’s shutdown orders. However, that event has been effectively repealed due to the uncertainty surrounding restrictions on large gatherings.
Local leaders expected the second phase of the governor’s reopening plan to limit mass outdoor gatherings to 50 people. However, guidelines issued on May 22 limit outdoor gatherings to 25 people.
Since local officials cannot predict whether the limit on gatherings will be lifted before Independence Day, the downtown celebration has been canceled. However, leaders will host fireworks at Konehete Park on the evening of July 4, where participants will be likely asked to sit in their cars to enjoy the display.
“We may consider closing Konehete Park and encouraging people to stay in their vehicles,” Town Manager Chad Simons said. “We will consult our public safety staff before we advise the mayor on how to proceed.”
The Town of Andrews does not plan to have fireworks on July 4, but officials are aiming to host a show the Sunday following Independence Day. Officials say the company that normally provides fireworks for Andrews has permanently closed. As a result of high demand, the town could only find a vendor to provide fireworks Sunday, July 5.
However, Andrews plans to continue its tradition of hosting a wagon train parade on Independence Day, which residents are encouraged to attend. The Western North Carolina Wagon Train will ride into town Saturday, June 27, and leave on Independence Day weekend.
“It’ll be the 63rd anniversary of the Wagon Train,” Andrews Mayor James Reid said. “I talked to the director, and they’re moving forward with it. They’re afraid that if they stop for one year, it’ll never start back up.”
Spectators will be allowed to line up along Main Street to enjoy the parade, as in previous years. Businesses will be encouraged to allow outdoor dining for those who want to enjoy a meal at the same time.
“People will have to use common sense and practice social distancing,” Reid said.
Of course, citizens are encouraged to celebrate Independence Day on their own as they see fit. While it’s unlikely that police will patrol the towns and county searching for violators, officials ask that residents do not blatantly defy the governor’s limits by hosting a house party that attracts 100 people.