Crowds will be making their way to fireworks displays on Saturday to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
However, some familiar locations in and around Montgomery County have canceled traditional parades, festivals and fireworks shows due to recent spikes in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases around the state.
The annual Independence Day celebration in New Richmond, for example, has been canceled amid social distancing concerns.
“As soon as we can come together, we plan on creating the best 2021 show anyone has ever seen,” the New Richmond Fireworks social media page reads, using the hashtag #INThisTogether.
The anticipated Great Parade and other events in Ladoga, including the fireworks show, have also been canceled in efforts to slow the spread of the virus.
“The historic Ladoga board of directors (has) made the very hard decision to cancel this year’s parade,” David Smith wrote on social media. “We are sorry to have to do this but we feel that it is best for our great community and we want to see everybody at our 2021 4th of July parade.”
Other locations are moving forward with either full-scale or scaled-back plans, including the Crawfordsville Parks and Recreation Department.
“We’re encouraging people to maintain as much distance as they choose,” Director Fawn Johnson said, “and there are lots of great spots outside of Milligan Park where you can get a great view too, so they don’t even have to come into the park if they choose.”
Food trucks and fireworks will be featured at Milligan Park on Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m.
“All of our food trucks are local vendors,” Johnson said. “Wildfire 348 will be there with pizza made-to-order and 1832 Brew will be there ... and will have burgers and brats along with their traditional full line of beverages.”
Others include Cotton Candy Annie, Hoosier Ice Queen, Hawaiian Shaved Ice and members of First Assembly will be handing out bottled water and freezer pops.
The Milligan Park Pool and Splash Pad will also be open from noon to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., respectively.
Reverend Guy Tremaine park in Waynetown is slated for a full day of events, including breakfast, arts and crafts, vendors and exhibits.
“We are asking attendees to abide by CDC guidelines for large gatherings,” Wayne Precinct Committeeman Bob Cox said. “It will be announced periodically, reminding people of social distancing and face coverings.”
The schedule of events for the Waynetown Freedom Festivals is as follows:
• 7-11 a.m., breakfast (softball tournament canceled)
• 11 am., food vendors open (Freedom Festival Booth, Robin’s Homestyle Catering, Gigglin’ Pig, Penguin Street Gelato, Dippin’ Dots, Kona Ice); National Guard and Waynetown Area Veterans exhibits open
• 5 p.m., Eric Barr and the Jammers band opens Freedom Stage, following by a recognition of area teachers, police and firefighters (7:05 p.m.), Dapper Dan Band (7:45 p.m.) and a patriotic ceremony honoring veterans (9:45 p.m.).
• Dusk, 2020 fireworks display
Raffle tickets may be purchased at the Waynetown Police Department tent from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Prizes include a Henry rifle, a Taurus 9-millimeter handgun, a $1,000 cash prize and a 50/50 drawing.
Other fireworks events planned in the area include:
• Covington’s 60th Annual 4th of July Celebration (Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4). Events and activities Saturday include: Food vendors (2 p.m. to dusk), Grand Marshal Parade (2 p.m.), musician Trey Hughes (3 to 6 p.m.), Endless Summer Band (7 to 10 p.m.) and fireworks (10:15 p.m.).
• Lake Waveland Park: Fireworks (display only) at dusk Saturday.
• Sugar Mill Lake & Campgrounds (Hillsboro): Only vehicles with a permit decal or fireworks pass (purchased before Saturday) will be allowed entrance. All vehicles need to arrive before 7 p.m. when law enforcement closes the campground’s entry lane.
• Charlarose Lake & Campground (Hillsboro): Fireworks at dusk Saturday.
• Lebanon: Boone County Fireworks at Lebanon Middle School at 10 p.m. Saturday (all other events canceled).
• Danville: Festival opens at 6 p.m. at Danville Community High School with music and food trucks. Fireworks are expected to begin at 9:30 p.m.
• Pittsboro: Parade, fish fry and games beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday at Scamahorn Park. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
