Cities Prepare For Fourth Of July Events, Implement COVID-19 Precautions

With dozens of Fourth of July events across the state canceled due to the impact of COVID-19, some cities in the Oklahoma City area say they feel their holiday celebrations can continue with the right safety measures.

Both Yukon and Moore decided to hold their annual holiday events, but they’re making changes for the safety of their guests.

“We wanted to be able to continue to social distance and eliminate activities where it might prolong contact,” said Brooks Mitchell, Moore City Manager.

The City of Moore announced changes to their A Celebration in the Heartland event. The car show will still be held during the day, and firework display at night, but all other events have been canceled.

“That allows for every opportunity to social distance and inhere to the CDC protocols where the other activities made that more problematic,” said Mitchell.

Yukon also announced Freedom Fest will be Friday and Saturday, with live music, food trucks and fireworks. They said tens of thousands of people usually gather for this event, but expect fewer crowds during this pandemic.

“We don’t expect it to be quite as much as in past years, by any means,” said Jenna Roberson with the City of Yukon. “But we do encourage people if they come and visit us to safely and responsibly check out what we have to offer.”

Roberson said city leaders have discussed ways to make the event as safe as possible. They said all employees will wear masks and will provide hand sanitizer stations.

“And if they can social distance, that is totally fine, but if they can’t, then we ask that they wear a mask,” said Roberson.

The city said they will not limit the amount of people who can attend. If you don’t feel comfortable attending the event, you have can watch the fireworks from various parking lots.