Westport Coronavirus Update: Memorial, July 4th Events Canceled

WESTPORT, CT — Both the 2020 Memorial Day Parade and Fourth of July Fireworks celebration have been canceled this year due to ongoing concerns from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe announced on Monday. Officials plan to hold a virtual Memorial Day event to "honor our veterans and commemorate those selfless soldiers who gave their lives" for the United States. Details on the online event will be released in the near future.

"It is with great regret that we must announce that due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Town of Westport's annual Memorial Day Parade and July 4 Fireworks have been canceled," Marpe said in a statement. "Unfortunately, many nearby communities have made similar decisions to cancel their summer events.

"Both of these events draw hundreds of participants and thousands of onlookers each year. In an abundance of caution and with the health and safety of our community at the forefront of our perspective, it is only appropriate that we notify the public well in advance that these scheduled events have been canceled. The decision to cancel does not come without reservation or sadness from all our public officials. However, the current environment dictates that we determine the best way to manage these types of events in the future. We cannot make assumptions at this time on whether or not it will be safe to congregate in any size crowd, much less ones of this magnitude, by the end of May or the beginning of July."

The 2020 Westport Memorial Day Parade had been scheduled for May 25, and would have included a ceremony at Veterans Green afterward. The parade and ceremony were organized by the Westport Veterans Council and Westport Parks and Recreation Department. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

As of Monday, Westport was closing in on 200 confirmed coronavirus cases with 197, according to state health officials.

Statewide, there were 19,815 confirmed cases, 1,331 deaths and 1,919 current hospitalizations. Additionally, a total of 62,806 patients have been tested in Connecticut as of Monday.

The 2020 Westport Police Athletic League-sponsored Fourth of July Fireworks was scheduled for July 2, with a rain date of July 3. The traditional family outing draws thousands of attendees to Compo Beach and the nearby neighborhoods for an evening of fun and fireworks.

"The PAL had to make a difficult decision regarding the Independence Day fireworks," said PAL president Officer Ned Batlin. "Please understand that organizing an event of this magnitude requires not only a significant amount of pre-planning, but also a financial commitment that must be made several months in advance. With the uncertainty surrounding current restrictions on large gatherings and when these might be lifted, it would be ill-advised to plan an event which may ultimately not be possible and safe to execute."

Marpe added that although the fireworks celebration will not be held this year, the community is encouraged to remember and celebrate the spirit of the Independence Day holiday in their own private way.

"We are confident that soon, the crisis will be lessened and we will once again be able to hold these longstanding community events," Marpe said. "Please be assured that when that time comes, they will be organized with effective pre-planning, precision and with abundant public safety considerations. Thank you for your continued understanding and commitment to maintaining the health, well-being and safety of our entire community.

"Please continue to self-isolate, quarantine if necessary, thoroughly wash your hands, socially distance yourself and, as much as possible, stay at home. Remember, you’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home."

To follow or check Westport coronavirus updates:

• Online: www.westportct.gov/COVID19
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