July 4th Activities To Be Held By City Of Cumming

CUMMING, GA — Leaders of the City of Cumming announced May 29, that July 4th activities will be held, but with some changes in place to accommodate for social distancing recommendations.

“We are definitely in the midst of an unprecedented time in American history - one that has been tragic for so many individuals and families,” Mayor Troy Brumbalow said. “But throughout our history, Americans have always pulled together to overcome challenges and tragedies, and this one is no different.

“That’s why we felt it was important to move forward with our July 4th activities. In this community, I think we all deeply value Independence Day, and in celebrating Independence Day together we will be celebrating everyone coming together as a nation to continue to work together to overcome.”

The 63rd Annual Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. As in years past, the parade route will end at the Cumming Fairgrounds (235 Castleberry Road); however, this year’s route will be extended in order to better allow for social distancing guidelines of spectators. The route will begin at the Forsyth County Tax Commissioner’s Office (1092 Tribble Gap Road) and the parade will move south on Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road, through downtown Cumming, and end at the Fairgrounds.

Pursuant to Gov. Brian Kemp’s most recent executive order relating to Covid-19 guidelines, which was signed on May 28, individual groups observing the parade should be capped at 25 people, and there should be at least 6-feet of space between each group. By extending the parade route, city leaders and parade organizers hope to better allow for the additional space needed to meet the 6-foot social distancing guideline. Spectators are also encouraged to take any other precautions they feel are warranted, such as wearing masks or face coverings, in addition to the traditional earplugs and sunscreen.

Parking for the parade will be available at Forsyth Central High School, Otwell Middle School, and Cumming Elementary School in addition to the usual City of Cumming and Forsyth County government parking decks on Castleberry Road and Mason/School Street and lots at Cumming City Hall and the Forsyth County Administration Building.

The City of Cumming’s annual fireworks display also will be held on Saturday, July 4. The display at Cumming Fairgrounds will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Guests attending the display are asked to maintain social distancing guidelines of 6 feet between groups and take any other precautions they feel are warranted, such as wearing masks or face coverings.

Fairgrounds’ gates will open at approximately 4 p.m. on July 4 with the possibility of some vendors on site, depending on availability; however, many of the previously planned activities - such as live music, pie- and hot dog-eating contests and dance contest - will not be held. There will be no parking or admission fees at the Fairgrounds.

Any updates or changes to this schedule will be posted as soon as possible to the city’s news page and the Facebook page, as well the Cumming Fairgrounds’ website and Facebook page.