July 4 Celebration canceled due to COVID-19 concerns
The 37th annual Sertoma Club Family July 4 Celebration and fireworks display has been canceled due to COVID-19 safety and physical distancing concerns.
“While we tried to find creative ways to continue this year’s celebration, City Council felt it would be in the best interest of public health and safety to cancel,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “With COVID-19 cases rising in our community at an alarming rate, it’s more important now than ever to be vigilant about keeping our distance, avoiding gatherings with people outside our homes, wearing face coverings, and disinfecting surfaces and our hands frequently.”
A factor in the decision to cancel the fireworks display was concern that residents from other nearby cities where fireworks have already been called off would come to Georgetown, which would increase the potential for crowding in city parks.
The number of active COVID-19 cases in Williamson County has continued to increase at new, daily records for the past week. Hospitalizations continue to hit all-time highs and are expected to continue to increase throughout the next two weeks, putting a strain on hospital, ICU, and ventilator capacity. The most recent COVID-19 case count and hospitalizations can be found on the Williamson County and Cities Health District dashboard.
By City ordinance, fireworks are not allowed in the city limits or within 5,000 feet of the city limits, unless they are used in a permitted display authorized by the Georgetown Fire Department. This area outside city limits includes, but is not limited to, the neighborhoods of Cedar Hollow, Crystal Knoll, Escalera, Fountainwood, Indian Creek, Logan Ranch Road, Lost Rivers, Oak Crest, Olde Oak Estates, Serenada, Shady Oaks, Turtle Bend, and Woodland Park, and areas along D.B Wood Road.
Violations can lead to fines of up to $2,000. To view a map showing the 5,000-foot boundary, go to maps.georgetown.org/fireworks-ban-area-map.
Other COVID-19 updates
2020 Music on the Square: To encourage social distancing, the City will hire buskers to play on corners of the Square on Thursday evenings in July and August.
Blazin’ Beer Crawl: Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, this event has been canceled.
Parks and Recreation:
- Garey Play Ranch and Splash Pad and other splash pads – Will open June 25
- Garey Park hours will remain at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Creative Playscape in San Gabriel Park – Open date tentative pending repairs
- Groups using parks facilities should not exceed 10 individuals.
The Council is expected to discuss options and triggers for additional restrictions, as well as the rescheduled Red Poppy event (still scheduled for Oct. 23 to 25) at its July 14 meeting.
For a full list of openings and access to City services during the COVID-19 response, visit bit.ly/COVID19GTX.
