SCHOOLCRAFT, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The celebration of America’s independence has been canceled this year in another Southwest Michigan community due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
The village of Schoolcraft announced on Thursday that its annual Fourth of July festival will not take place this summer.
A news release by the village said, “After careful thought and hours of discussion, the village of Schoolcraft’s 4th of July committee and the Schoolcraft village council have made the difficult decision of canceling our annual 4th of July celebration.”
The event set to be held for the 95th time before the cancelation announcement was made. Schoolcraft officials say this is the first time the festival has ever been called off in its history.
Organizers were planning for a public fireworks display, car show, and parade among other festivities held on the holiday.
Village leaders say the decision to cancel the events was a difficult one, but they feel it’s necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep both visitors and residents safe.
“While we are not happy about this decision, we know that it has been made in the best interest of our community, and the thousands of people who come to the village to participate in this annual event,” said Village Manager Cheri M. Lutz in a written statement.
Other summer celebrations including the Holland Tulip Festival and Traverse City Cherry Festival have also been canceled due to concerns over COVID-19.
