ATLANTA — The COVID-19 pandemic has caused most metro cities and towns to cancel their July Fourth celebrations.
There are a handful of cities that still plan on holding Independence Day festivities.
Here’s a full list:
Woodstock will alter its celebrations, but will still have fireworks at dusk, according to a Facebook post.
“We strongly encourage those who gather in the area of Woodstock Square for the show to be responsible and follow CDC guidelines,” city manager Jeff Moon said.
East Point will also alter its festivities this year. The city has partnered with a software company to bring attendees a free virtual fireworks show using the Total AR app.
“Simply download this free app on your smartphone or tablet and on July 4th between 9 p.m.-midnight, hold the device at face-level while pointing it towards the sky to witness a stunning fireworks show using augmented reality,” according to the city’s website. The show will last 10-12 minutes.
In Cumming, celebrations will be held at the fairgrounds. According to a Facebook event post, the fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
In Tucker, the city will be lighting off fireworks as usual, but the city is asking people to either find a socially distant spot nearby to view or watch a live stream of the show on the City’s social media channels.
“We’re glad to offer Tucker a continuation of this annual tradition but, remember, the best seat in the house is going to be inside your actual house,” Matt Holmes, Tucker’s Director of Communications and Administrative Services, said. “This live stream is going to be amazing and, be honest, how many times do you get to watch Tucker on your smart TV with fireworks lighting up the downtown? We hope folks will get some takeout from their favorite Tucker restaurant, sit back and enjoy the show.”
The fireworks will be ignited behind Tucker High School and begin around 9:30 in the evening.
If you instead decide to stay home and have a fireworks show of your own, here are some things to keep in mind about what you are allowed to shoot off and at what time. While Georgia cities cannot ban the use of fireworks, they can extend hours, regulate where fireworks are sold through zoning and enact taxes on sales, according to the Georgia Municipal Association.
Some of the best doctors in metro Atlanta are warning against large gatherings for the Fourth.
People attending fireworks displays could lead to exponential growth of COVID-19 and if they are planning on going, they should wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Doctors say they’re expecting a surge in hospitalizations and possible deaths — which is why it’s so important to wear a mask to stop the spread.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this article.
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