Today, the organization announced it is cancelling the events that were originally postponed until Sept. 5, 2020, due to continued concerns surrounding COVID-19.
“While we wanted to hold our July 4th 2.0 event, the health and safety of our many fellow Mainers who would have gathered to attend the parade and fireworks that day must take priority,” said Michael Fern, president of the 4th of July Corp. “Plus, many of our older volunteers from the area’s Kiwanis clubs, which back the corporation, are most at risk so it’s for those reasons that we must cancel it.”
Before the postponement, the Independence Day events were originally expanded to add more parade units, include the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Bangor Band alongside longtime partner The Stone Doctors for the concert series, and a larger fireworks display in conjunction with Maine’s bicentennial celebration across the state. However, the pancake breakfast and concert elements were eliminated from the rescheduled September event to keep larger crowds from congregating.
Going forward, the group will plan for the full celebration next year and adjust accordingly based on information at that time. Funds already raised this year will be reallocated to next year.
“We want to thank our many donors and our major sponsor this year, Bangor Savings Bank, for their multi-year support and we can only hope that by summer of next year, we can restore the entire celebration,” Fern said. “And perhaps we can make it larger as well - let’s call it two years’ worth of celebrations in one.”
