This year the city of Brotherly Love will not be able to celebrate the 4th of July with Fireworks. The sumptuous play of light celebrating America’s independence will have to wait for better times to illuminate the skies over Philadelphia.
Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July fireworks display has been cancelled this year over coronavirus concerns. Instead, Philadelphians will be encouraged to rewatch the 2019 show, which will be broadcast on NBC10, Telemundo62, CoziTV and TeleXitos. It’ll also be streaming on nbcphiladelphia.com.
According to the city, the citizens health was the main motivation for the decision.
You can read: Fireworks usage guideline in Philadelphia
City spokesperson Deana Gamble told reporters they are following recommendations to check the spread of coronavirus. “We believe traditional fireworks displays encourage people to gather in close proximity which is not recommended at this time due to potential spread of COVID-19.”
In a similar effort to prevent crowds, the entire multi-day Wawa Welcome America celebration has moved online, with a mix of live streamed concerts, an esports tournament, virtual museum tours and more.
Other cities are taking the same measure. Denver, Chicago and Tampa are also cancellng their official Fourth of July fireworks display this year.