With the number of COVID-19 cases rising in Washington County many have questioned what this year’s 4th of July celebration would look like. With news that the annual concert had been canceled, city officials reassured residents of St. George that there would still be some form of celebration this year.
City officials have announced the following events as part of this years 4th of July Celebration.
- Uncle Sam 4k race, set to start at 6:30 a.m.
- Annual 4th of July Parade, with an extended route to help facilitate Social Distancing measures, set to start at 7:45 a.m.
- Annual Fireworks Show, set to start at 10 p.m.
Recreation Supervisor for St. George, Aaron Metler, stated in a news release“COVID-19 caused us to rethink how we conduct all our events — especially July Fourth considering how many people participate annually. The two biggest differences this year is that there is no concert and no carnival. However, I think we are proceeding appropriately to celebrate Independence Day in a fun and safe way.â€
Uncle Sam 4k Race
Several adjustments were made for the Uncle Sam 4K to help follow COVID guidelines:
- Race entrants can now remain in their vehicles and receive their packets on July 3rd with minimal contact thanks to a drive-through packet system that is being implemented.
- Along the start line, corrals of 50 athletes will be staggered in waves for the race. Groups larger than 50 will not be allowed to gather in the same area.
- Refreshments and finisher medals will now be bundled together. Each participant will receive everything upon finishing the face.
- Staff and volunteers will all be wearing masks and gloves.
Annual 4th of July Parade
This year’s parade route has been extended from its normal 1.18 miles to 1.52 miles. The parade will start near the corner of Tabernacle Street and 200 West and will continue east to 400 East, turning south on 400 East to 300 South and will wrap around Worthen Park to its conclusion on 200 South.
Metler stated, “Safety has been our main concern when planning our July Fourth activities. We will have message boards encouraging social distancing and reminders from our parade announcers.â€
4th of July Fireworks Show
“Safety has been our main concern when planning our July Fourth activities. We will have message boards encouraging social distancing and reminders from our parade announcers,†said Metler.
This year’s display is expected to be the largest show ever in St. George. While the fireworks are typically paired with a concert, this year the fires will be shot from Tech Ridge, just south of where Dixie Tech is located. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m. and those viewing can tune into a Patriotic Tribute to America with music and narration synced to the fireworks on 99.9 FM KONY Country.
Marc Mortensen, support services director for the city of St. George, stated, “Most years we shoot the 5-inch shells, but due to the change in location we are able to fire 10-inch shells, which should really glow in our stunning night sky. There are many great places to view the fireworks — we just ask that you try to avoid gathering in large groups. â€
With the location of the fireworks being changed this year, there will be no access south of the Cliffside Restaurant along Tech Ridge Parkway, and the city asks viewers to consider other locations to watch the fireworks.