The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with presenting sponsor Fallon Health, the City of Worcester, and Discover Central Massachusetts (DCM) are sad to announce this year’s Independence Day fireworks are again canceled due to COVID-19.
While this isn’t the outcome all were hoping for, the decision was made out of an abundance of caution as we continue to navigate the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. At this time, the Chamber and involved partners feel it’s in everyone’s best interest to avoid large, in-person gatherings where it’s more difficult to control the spread of the virus.
Chamber President and CEO Timothy P. Murray said, “As exponentially more and more people become fully vaccinated, we certainly believe that better days are on the horizon. We’re so close, but we can’t give up now. We feel it is still too soon to be among big crowds, but we’re confident we can return to this annual, family-friendly event in 2022.”
“For almost 20 years, Fallon Health has been the lead sponsor of the City of Worcester’s Independence Day celebration. We look forward to the return next year of this popular community event at Cristoforo Colombo Park,” said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health.
“At the end of the day, the health and wellbeing of the residents of Worcester, and all those involved in this event, must come first,” City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. said. “While we are approaching the light at the end of the tunnel with this pandemic, we aren’t quite there yet. I appreciate the difficult decision made by the Chamber and its partners, and I am optimistic that we will all come together again next year for a fireworks celebration to remember.”
Alternatively, the Worcester Red Sox, who will play their inaugural season at their new home of Polar Park this summer, do plan on hosting fireworks this July. During their July 4th weekend homestand, the WooSox plan to set off fireworks Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night for fans to enjoy.
“While we all await the return of this wonderful Worcester tradition, we will try to do our part to bring some Independence Day joy to the city we love,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox. “We will hope to have fireworks at Polar Park July 2, 3, and 4, and we all hope that, by then, we can welcome even more families to their new summer home.”
The Chamber, Fallon Health, and all of our partners want to wish everyone continued health and a safe Independence Day no matter how you choose to celebrate. We hope to see you all next year at East Park on Shrewsbury Street.
