Memorial Day, Independence Day Plans Announced In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis canceled its Memorial Day parade but decided to continue its Independence Day celebration. The city announced the plans in a Thursday afternoon press release.

Though coronavirus thwarted the May 31 festivities, officials hope the city will be ready for gatherings by July 4. Annapolis is planning a "Welcome Back" weekend from July 2 through July 5.

The highlight will be a parade down West Street and Main Street on Independence Day. Fireworks will follow that evening.

The Art in Public Places Commission will host concerts at Chambers Park and City Dock, among other venues. Restaurants, shops and hotels will also have specials that weekend.

Mayor Gavin Buckley pointed to the expanding vaccine rollout as a sign of hope.

"This has been one of the most challenging years in our City’s history," Buckley said in the release. "This will be a citywide ‘thank you’ to those who helped us get through it: health care workers, EMTs, public safety, grocery, pharmacy and hardware store workers, as well as city staff. I can’t wait to thank them personally and celebrate the hard work it took to get through this."

City Manager David Jarrell noted these are plans are tentative. Annapolis may cancel the events if the city has poor coronavirus metrics.

"We are cautiously optimistic about our progress," Jarrell added. "We will continue to monitor conditions throughout our planning."

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