Newton Cancels July 4 Festivities Amid Coronavirus Concern

NEWTON, MA —Newton city officials have joined a growing number of municipalities around the state to cancel local annual July 4 festivities amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are cancelling not only the fireworks in the evening, but also the children’s events in the morning at Newton Centre Playground as well as the Open-Air Market at Albemarle and the amusement rides and games that traditionally precede the fireworks," Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in a statement.

Fuller said after her office and the Newton Community Pride, which is behind the event, weighing the decision it became clear that it wouldn't be possible to prioritize safety and health of participants at the July 4th festivities.

"This is a disappointing decision but the right one for Newton," she said.

The decision comes as the number of deaths related to the coronavirus Wednesday topped 100 in Newton and rose above 6,000 across the state.

Although both Newton and Boston's July 4 fireworks have been canceled, the Boston Pops will still go on online. Read more: Boston July 4 Fireworks Canceled, But here's how to watch Pops online

Also in Newton this week:

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, opinion piece.