GEORGETOWN, Texas - The city of Georgetown says its annual July 4th celebration has been canceled due to COVID-19.
The 37th annual Sertoma Club Family July 4 celebration and fireworks display has been canceled due to safety and physical distancing concerns.
“While we tried to find creative ways to continue this year’s celebration, City Council felt it would be in the best interest of public health and safety to cancel,” Mayor Dale Ross said in a release. “With COVID-19 cases rising in our community at an alarming rate, it’s more important now than ever to be vigilant about keeping our distance, avoiding gatherings with people outside our homes, wearing face coverings, and disinfecting surfaces and our hands frequently.”
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One factor in the decision was concern that residents in nearby cities that have canceled their own fireworks displays would come to Georgetown and potentially increase crowding in city parks.
The number of active COVID-19 cases in Williamson County has been increasing and making new daily records for the past week, says the city, and hospitalizations are expected to increase throughout the next two weeks.
The city is reminding residents that fireworks are not allowed in the city limits or within 5,000 feet of the city limits unless used in a permitted display authorized by the Georgetown Fire Department. The area outside city limits includes but is not limited to areas along D.B. Wood Road and the neighborhoods of:
- Cedar Hollow
- Crystal Knoll
- Escalera
- Fountainwood
- Indian Creek
- Logan Ranch Road
- Lost Rivers
- Oak Crest
- Olde Oak Estates
- Serenada
- Shady Oaks
- Turtle Bend
- Woodland Park
The city says violations can lead to fines of up to $2,000. To see a map showing the 5,000-foot boundary, click here.
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Williamson County has no plans for mask mandate
While there is no mask mandate in the county, leaders are still encouraging people to wear them.
The city also announced other changes to Georgetown events:
- 2020 Music on the Square: To encourage social distancing, the City will hire buskers to play on corners of the Square on Thursday evenings in July and August.
- Blazin’ Beer Crawl: Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, this event has been canceled.
The Garey Play Ranch and Splash Pad and other splash pads will open June 25 and Garey Park hours will remain at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The creative playscape in San Gabriel Park will reopen at a later date pending repairs. Groups using parks facilities should not exceed 10 individuals.
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The Council is expected to discuss options and triggers for additional restrictions, as well as the rescheduled Red Poppy event (still scheduled for Oct. 23 to 25) at its July 14 meeting.
For a full list of openings and access to City services during the COVID-19 response, click here.
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