The City of Santa Clara has decided to cancel this year’s 4th of July All-City Picnic & Fireworks Extravaganza due to the health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Mass gatherings are currently prohibited under Santa Clara County’s shelter in place order and the state-wide stay at home order. Mass gatherings are very unlikely to be allowed any time soon, according to announcements from both the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and Governor Gavin Newsom.
In recent weeks, Newsom has laid out his roadmap for re-opening California in four stages and, locally, Santa Clara County released revised shelter in place order. In light of these guidelines, “cancelling the Independence Day celebration was the safest option for Santa Clara, given the seriousness of this public health emergency,” said the City in a press release.
“During the COVID-19 outbreak, we are all making sacrifices for the health, safety and well-being of everyone in our community,” said Santa Clara Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor. “Cancelling our 4th of July festivities — one of our city’s most popular events — is in the best interest of all Santa Clarans and was not taken lightly. I very much look forward to the day when we can all come together again and celebrate our resilient city.”
Cancelling the 4th of July event now helps Santa Clara avoid the expenditure of City funds on advanced vendor contracts for the event that typically features live entertainment, carnival games, food and fireworks. The last time Santa Clara canceled its 4th of July event was during the Great Recession for economic reasons.
The City’s 4th of July All-City Picnic and Fireworks Extravaganza usually draws 10,000 participants. Under the County’s current shelter in place order, the public is advised to stay home and practice social distancing. Importantly, mass gatherings of any size are not allowed.
Terrible. 2 months out! This virus supposedly dies in summer heat. 98% recovery rate! Serology tests from Stanford, USC, Miami-Dade, NYC…all suggest a less severe disease! City Officials should be ASHAMED of themselves!!!
pretty much everything will probably be cancelled street dance summer concert series tree lighting with santa clause. anything fun has been robbed cause of virus issues.