July 4th Fireworks Show Is A Go In Gilroy For 2020

GILROY CA — The annual July 4th fireworks show will go off this year in Gilroy, but with a hitch — viewing will not be permitted from its launch site, Gilroy High School, city officials announced Wednesday.

"As in past years, the fireworks display will originate from Gilroy High School and will begin around dusk, which is around 9:30 p.m.," the city said. "To help facilitate the safety of our community during this unprecedented time, parking and gathering at Gilroy High School and the overflow parking lot will be blocked off and will NOT be allowed."

Spectators are encouraged to view from home, and to practice social distancing and wear masks if applicable, according to authorities.

Gilroy is one of the first cities in the region, and actually throughout the SF Bay Area, to confirm July 4th fireworks are planned. Citing COVID-19 crowd and social-distancing concerns, organizers in cities, including Cupertino, Milpitas, Scotts Valley, Redwood City, Foster City and Morgan Hill, plus San Jose's downtown Discovery Meadow show, canceled their live displays for 2020.

In its announcement, Gilroy officials added that the sale of "safe and sane" fireworks also will continue this year, with booth sales beginning July 1.

As for the fireworks news, locals responded on Facebook with varying opinions.

Some residents expressed elation the show will go on, with such comments as "Thank you COG!!!! We all needed to hear some positive & fun news for summer!!!" and "Thank you Gilroy for not canceling our fireworks!!!!"

Others noted dismay at not living in a good viewing zone. "I would not be able see them if I stayed home. I live near 1st and Welburn," one wrote.

Another added: "How stupid!!!! Everybody is going to be crowded onto the Levee, and the creek trying to see, and crowding the neighborhoods by the high school! This is a non solution for like the 80% of Gilroy that doesn’t live close enough!!"

And one resident said he now has lawn chores on his agenda: "Got some tree trimming to do. Can't see them like we used to off Yorktown."

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SEE Morgan Hill's recently announced plans: Morgan Hill's July 4th Festivities Will Go On ... Virtually

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