Fireworks still expected south of border as Americans celebrate July 4 separately

BLAINE, WA (NEWS 1130) — You may notice from some fireworks Saturday night as Americans celebrate on their own properties instead of a gathering together.

Many Fourth of July events in the U.S. have been cancelled because of COVID-19. In Blaine, City Manager Michael Jones says it’s certainly a loss to the community.

“Typically the Blaine Fourth of July celebrations attract about 10,000 people which roughly doubles the city’s population. It’s a great event,” Jones tells NEWS 1130. “But this year, in order to be safe and protect folks from the COVID outbreak, the Chamber of Commerce has opted to forego the old fashioned Fourth of July celebration.”

The Chamber of Commerce has not planned a virtual event or anything that could draw large crowds, but people in the downtown area will be able to hear a band playing in one of the plazas.

“Just so people who are passing by or happen to be downtown can get a little bit of the celebration,” he says.

Since calling off the traditional celebration, Jones says initally there was disappointment. Although, from his perspective, people have gotten used to the new health regulations and suggestions which will protect them and others.

“I’m finding … that folks are understanding of where things are, and I think that most people are planning for smaller events at home. And I imagine we’re probably going to see a lot of recreational fireworks because they are available here,” he says.

So this year, Jones says people in White Rock should be able to see the fireworks light up across the border.

“We’ve had the pleasure of watching the Canada Day fireworks on July 1 from our side of the border. This year I think people will still see a lot of things exploding in the sky but those will probably be on a little bit smaller scale.”