1) Cancelled Parades
Sadly, it seems just like the floats must keep within the storage this yr.
“Covid-19 an infection ranges won’t be abated to the diploma that it could be secure,” its organisers mentioned in a slightly downcast assertion.
However, others have approached issues with extra artistic contact.
Within the small city of Montgomery, Ohio, there’s set to be a “reverse parade” the place motorists will drive previous a stationary present that includes the same old marching band, stilt walkers and floats.
With both methods, we’re unlikely to see the form of showpiece occasions that we’re used to. There’s all the time subsequent yr, at the least.
National Independence Day 4th Of July Parade
2) Secret Fireworks
Some organisers have provided you with ingenious methods to make sure they’ll nonetheless go forward without crowds gathering to observe.
In New York, the Macy’s Fireworks Present is being held over a collection of nights at unspecified areas and instances. Every present will final for simply 5 minutes to keep away from crowds with the ability to collect.
Different cities, comparable to Boston and Houston, are encouraging individuals to observe the fireworks from dwelling on TV or online. This brings us properly onto…
3)Digital Occasions
It is honest to say this pandemic has pushed lots of people to do extra online, and that seems to incorporate celebrating Independence Day.
An enormous variety of occasions will probably be streamed online to allow them to be loved safely at dwelling.
The Capitol Fourth live performance in Washington DC is likely one of the most well-known. This yr, it was pre-recorded in “iconic areas throughout the nation” and will probably be proven each online and on TV.
And in Los Angeles, an arts centre is about to host an “online block occasion” with music and different performances being proven to dwell on Fb. Loads of different cities are planning to live stream live shows of their very own.
Oh, and one of many quirkier Independence Day traditions – Nathan’s Sizzling Canine Consuming Contest – continues to be going forward with varied Covid-19 precautions in place.
The century-old competitors will probably be proven on TV the place it is beforehand attracted virtually two million viewers. Some traditions are sacred, despite everything.
4) Sorry, We’re Closed
Whereas some occasions organisers are discovering progressive methods to maintain issues on observe, there is no getting around the truth that loads of public areas will probably be closed this weekend.
Bars and eating places will probably be shut in lots of states, as officers proceed to tug again on plans to reopen after the current spike in coronavirus circumstances.
And seashores in states comparable to Florida and California, which might usually be full of holidaymakers, will probably be closed to the general public.
However, there’s some comfort if you happen to have deliberate a visit to see a significant attraction.
A good few provide some type of online tour, together with the USS Structure which is likely one of the world’s oldest warships. It is set to stream digital excursions in addition to a dwell 21-gun salute to mark Independence Day on Saturday.
5) Protests And Politics
Past the pandemic, the US has additionally been rocked by one other main information occasion this yr.
The loss of life of African American George Floyd in police custody in Could triggered nationwide protests and led to renewed calls for a finish to institutional racism. Many of those protests focused on statues of controversial historic figures.
Now, some officers are involved that Independence Day might see additional clashes at monuments and websites.