It seems like the past three months of quarantine have flown by—and now July is right around the corner. With it comes the traditional celebrations and fireworks of Independence Day that have become such a feature of American culture. Sadly, due to COVID-19 restrictions, many cities have canceled their traditional celebrations for this year.
However, some cities are going above and beyond to ensure that this special day will be as magical as always. Among them are Poway and Vista, with both having organized their own Independence Day celebrations that abide by social distancing protocol.
On July 4, simultaneous fireworks shows will be occurring at Poway High School and the Sportsplex in the South Poway Business park at 9 p.m. Poway Mayor Steve Vaus is confident that Poway can honor this uniquely American holiday while still upholding social distancing guidelines. The Republican-led Poway City Council agreed, and unanimously approved of the plan to forward both fireworks shows.
BOOM! Only thing better than a July 4 fireworks show is TWO simultaneous shows – at Poway High School & Sportsplex in south Poway. pic.twitter.com/srqf92S6HF
— Steve Vaus (@SteveVaus) June 10, 2020
“This is one of those events that binds a community together,” said Mayor Vaus. “For so many reasons, we’re in a time when we need to be bound together and just enjoy the traditions that make America great and special.”
Similar to Poway, Vista Republicans led the coordinated effort to approve the celebration, ensuring that residents will not have to endure an Independence Day that lacks its traditional hallmarks. When Vista Deputy Mayor Amanda Rigby received word from county health officials that fireworks shows would likely not be permitted, she began working with Vista City Councilman John Franklin to forward a proposal that would allow Vista to host its annual celebration. Fortunately, the Vista City Council voted unanimously to approve the event, which is now in the works.
“I’m just excited that we’ll be able to come together on some level as a community and celebrate our heritage as Americans,” said Rigby. “It’s important as we get farther and farther from that date back in 1776 that we not forget who we are, where we came from, and why we are who we are.”
The City of Vista will be hosting its fireworks event at Brengle Terrace Park, with fireworks scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. More information will be available soon, and updates will be posted here.
