Apalachicola Main Street is postponing its Independence Eve Celebration, normally held on July 3rd each year. “In consultation with City officials, local law enforcement, downtown business leaders, and others, we have come to the decision to postpone this event out of respect for public health,” said Board Chair Jim Bachrach.
Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order 20-139, announced this week, outlines Phase 2 of Florida’s reopening plan. It discourages gatherings of more than 50 people. “We know the community looks forward to this event every year,” said Augusta West, Main Street’s Executive Director, “This was a difficult decision to make, but we feel postponing it is the right course of action.”
Main Street is currently making plans to move this event to Labor Day weekend, to be held on Saturday, September 5. “We will continue to evaluate the status of the pandemic as we move forward,” said Bachrach.
The annual event includes live music, food trucks, a Veteran’s Tribute, the singing of the National Anthem, children’s activities, and a fireworks display reflected in the waters of the Apalachicola River. It has been recognized as an Outstanding Special Event by the Florida Secretary of State and named one of the Top 12 Fireworks Events in Florida. The event draws 8,000 people, making it the largest single-day event in the county. Last year’s speaker was Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer, who announced the naming of a U.S. Navy transport ship Apalachicola.
For updates, please visit www.july3fireworks.com.
Apalachicola Main Street is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing downtown Apalachicola through economic development in the context of historic preservation. For more information please email [email protected] or call 844-272-2523.
