Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration Canceled For 2020

ENFIELD, CT — Concerns over the new coronavirus pandemic have prompted cancellation of the biggest annual event in Enfield - the Fourth of July Town Celebration, a three-day festival which had been scheduled for July 10-12 on the town green.

Former Mayor Scott Kaupin, longtime chairman of the celebration committee, said the decision to cancel the 36th annual gathering of food, music, fireworks, games and entertainment was made following consultation with consulted with public officials, sponsors, vendors and representatives of performers who had been booked for the event.

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A letter from Kaupin reads in full:

The Fourth of July Town Celebration Committee, Inc. recently met via web conference to discuss the 2020 Celebration, which has been held annually since 1985, that is scheduled for July 10th - 12th. Over the past couple of weeks various committee members consulted with public officials, key sponsors and vendors, and representatives of performers booked for our event regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this year's Celebration. Based on the information gathered, the committee has made the unfortunate, but responsible decision, to not hold the event this year.

An event of this magnitude requires the financial support from our many sponsors, the coordination with our various vendors, a commitment from our hundreds of volunteers, and a willingness of the general public to attend and support the Celebration through the purchase of food, beverages, registration fees, and other items. Due to the economic uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to secure sponsors and vendors has proved to be understandably difficult. With the need to practice "social distancing" for the foreseeable future, we also anticipate the difficulty in getting volunteers willing to staff the event and the general public to attend any large gathering. A successful Celebration, attended by approximately 50,000 people each year, requires the support of sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and the public; and at this point in time the board feels it is in the long-term best interest of the Celebration to make this decision.

The committee looks forward to getting back to work later this year to begin planning the 2021 Celebration scheduled for July 9th - 11th. We also plan to continue our involvement in the community at various events such as "Family Day on the Green", "Fall for Enfield", and "Farm to Table", as well as other opportunities which may arise. Applications are still being accepted from graduating high school seniors for the 2020 Norma E. Post Memorial Scholarship, which has a submission deadline of May 8th.

Anyone with questions may contact Kaupin at 860-966-6335 or scottkaupin@cox.net.