Atwater 4th of July Celebration is latest Merced County event canceled due to coronavirus
Another Merced County tradition joined the growing list of canceled events due to the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday, as it was announced that Atwater’s 2020 4th of July Celebration is canceled.
“This cancellation was a hard decision, but due to directives mandated by the Merced County Health Department and the safety of our community, it is not possible for us to hold this large event,” read a post by the Atwater 4th of July Committee on their Facebook page.
The committee said the decision was made with a heavy heart and disappointment.
The annual event has honored Independence Day in Atwater since 1963. It typically draws thousands to Castle Airport, where the community enjoys festivities like a parade and fireworks show.
The 4th of July Celebration joins the recently canceled Spring Fair in Los Banos and the Merced County Fair — all quashed to avoid further spreading the COVID-19 infection between attendees in close proximity.
A modified “Celebration of Freedom” event may take place once it is safe for the public to congregate, the Committee said in the Facebook post.
“We deeply regret the effects this has on our vendors, entertainers, city businesses and you our loyal participants and fellow citizens,” the post said. “Please know that the Atwater 4th of July Committee will continue to plan a celebration like no other when we are able to again convene in large groups.”
This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 10:31 AM.
