Marietta's 4th Of July Fireworks 2020 Canceled

MARIETTA, GA — July 4 events across the country will not look the same this year thanks to the coronavirus. Many cities and towns have been forced to cancel the annual Fourth of July events, including Marietta. Although Marietta’s fireworks, parade and 5K event have been canceled, they have been replaced with a competition.

Due to the coronavirus, the City of Marietta made the decision to cancel all events scheduled for July 4, including the Let Freedom Ring Parade, festivities on the Square, and the fireworks show.
Mayor Steve Tumlin said in a statement that he has determined a way to celebrate the nation, keep people safe, and create a “little healthy competition.”

Mayor Tumlin is challenging residents, businesses and neighborhoods to show their patriotic spirit by decorating yards, windows, and streets for the July 4th holiday. There will also be a category for most patriotic pet where the public can vote.

“The coronavirus has put a hold on everyone’s life and affected our community in many ways,” he said. “We have changed our way of life, how our children go to school, how we shop, how we take care of our families, but I believe some things have not changed – our love of our nation still runs deep. While we canceled the July 4th celebrations in Marietta, I hope our spirit can still shine through to others and it is my hope that this little patriotic contest might provide a little carefree happiness for our community.”

People have the entire month of June to decorate their front yard, business store windows, or get their neighborhood together.

They have to take photos of their masterpiece or patriotic pet and submit them with their contact information on the city’s website by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. The judging committee will meet on Wednesday, July 1, and winners will be announced on July 2.

Patriotic pet contest entries were due by Thursday, June 18. The judging committee will pick some of the top entries and allow the public to vote for the “Best in Show.” Voting for the City’s patriotic mascot will be open to the public from Monday, June 22, to Friday, June 26.

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute. Check your event before you go. Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Check out this roundup of everything from barbecue essentials to patriotic table decor to be sure your July 4 is the best in the USA.