There will be fireworks for the Fourth of July in Wake Forest, and as has been the tradition for 47 years, it will be on Friday, July 3.
Nothing else will be traditional. There will be no stadium show, no children’s parade and no art and games in the park, all cancelled because of the coronavirus. And the fireworks will be virtual.
Oh, there will be actual people setting off actual fireworks at Heritage High School, but Wake Foresters will have to watch it on the town’s Facebook page that night and on Channel 10 the rest of July.
At about 9:15 p.m. on July 3 Facebook viewers can see an Independence Day live-streamed message featuring Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners followed at 9:30 by the spectacular fireworks.
“It was especially important for us to provide the fireworks show this year in some form or fashion,” said Mayor Vivian Jones. “Considering all the programs and events that have been canceled due to COVID-19, we wanted to offer a way for our community to celebrate this special holiday.”
The fireworks will light up the sky from the launch site along the Sanford Creek Greenway – near Heritage High School’s Husky Stadium.
To prevent large public gatherings, the Heritage High School campus will be closed to vehicle parking and in-person fireworks viewers beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, July 3. Vehicle parking and in-person viewing will also be prohibited along the streets and greenways surrounding the campus. Nearby sections of greenway will be closed throughout the day beginning at 7 a.m. Foundation Drive will also be closed.
Due to attendance restrictions, residents are encouraged to view the fireworks from the comfort of home on the Town of Wake Forest’s Facebook page, then throughout July on WFTV 10 and the Town’s website at wakeforestnc.gov.
“Although we would prefer to gather in person with family and friends as we normally do to enjoy the fireworks show, the virtual option will allow us to enjoy the display while helping ensure the health and safety of our community,” Jones added.
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