Summer is here, and Fourth of July, our biggest summer celebration, is coming up. Many of us look forward to this holiday and the traditions it brings, including barbecues, picnics, and fireworks. This year, however, will be different. We know it may be disappointing for people to not be able to celebrate like they usually do. The fireworks shows have been canceled and large gatherings and parties aren’t allowed in Phase 2. There’s still an opportunity to celebrate with a small group of friends and enjoy the holiday!

Celebrate safely, celebrate small

A small celebration with no more than five friends outside of your household is the best way to enjoy the Fourth of July this year. If you’re planning on gathering with friends, it’s best to stay outdoors, wear a mask, maintain physical distance, and avoid sharing food and drinks. A backyard picnic can be a great way to celebrate the day. You can also add in some other activities, like:

• Have a camp-out in the backyard, with s’mores and ghost stories.
• Set up a movie night outside.
• Take a family bike ride, and decorate your bikes in red, white and blue.
• Go on a favorite hike, or find one you’ve never tried.
• Bake some patriotic cupcakes or other treats, decorated in stars and stripes.
• Have your own socially-distant neighborhood parade. 

There are many ways you can create great memories this Fourth of July, that will still keep you and your friends and family safe. 

Stay away from the Bay

We know that Birch Bay is a central gathering point on July fourth and that people come from all around to join in the festivities. We’re asking you to skip it this year. On average, residents of Birch Bay are over 50 years old, putting many people in that community at a higher risk of more severe complications from COVID-19. We’ve seen that other large gatherings and parties have caused outbreaks in our county, and we don’t want to see a large number of new cases if people gather like normal in Birch Bay. Doing our part to slow the spread now means we’ll be able to celebrate again in Birch Bay next year.

The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce shared this message asking everyone to do their part to keep the community healthy and safe for everyone. 

The Fourth of July is typically a time of fun, family, friends, and traditions. While things will be different this year, you can still have a great time, and even make some new traditions to follow for years to come.