No Turtles, Frogs at Bel Air's 4th of July Festivities

BEL AIR, MD – Fourth of July festivities in Bel Air will not include the traditional frog jumping contest and turtle derby this year, organizers announced.

“Of course we will miss these events, which were a big part of our day for so long,” President of the Bel Air Independence Day Committee Don Stewart said. “But times change..."

State laws that take effect June 20 prohibit the use of amphibians and reptiles in competitions to prevent the spread of Ranavirus, which natural resources officials say has caused die-offs.

Related: Bel Air Turtle Derby Under Fire from Animal Advocates

A water balloon toss and costume contest have been added to the day's activities in lieu of the frog and turtle events.

"We think these new events will be just as much fun and may even attract more people,” Stewart said.

The Bel Air Fourth of July celebration will be on Monday, July 4, and include the following:

• Flag-raising
• Pancake breakfast
• Water balloon toss; 9 a.m.
• Costume contest; 9:30 a.m.
• “Uncle Sam Says”
• Watermelon Eating Competition
• Parade on Main Street from Idlewild to Gordon Street; 6 p.m.
• Fireworks display at Rockfield Park; 9:30 p.m.

The theme for the 2016 parade is "Hometown Heroes."

"We all know how important the contributions made by our local heroes—firefighters, police, municipal workers, rangers, guardians of the peace and more," Stewart said. "As events this year have already demonstrated, some of those who protect us sacrifice even their own lives in the service of the greater good. It makes us proud to be a part of this society, and we owe it to our local heroes to celebrate the commitment they make and recognize the dangers they face.”

Photo Credit: Bel Air Fourth of July Committee.