For the second year in a row, Edgartown selectmen voted unanimously to cancel the town’s trademark Fourth of July parade and fireworks, citing public safety concerns.
For the second year in a row, Edgartown selectmen voted unanimously to cancel the town’s trademark Fourth of July parade and fireworks, citing public safety concerns with the large-scale summer events that draw tens of thousands of people to the crowded downtown.
“I think it’s the responsible way to go,” selectman Art Smadbeck said after the vote.
The decision at Monday’s selectmen’s meeting came on the same day that Gov. Charlie Baker fast-tracked the state’s reopening process, rescinding all state Covid-19 restrictions, gathering limits and capacity constraints by May 29.
But a cadre of Edgartown officials agreed at Monday’s meeting that the Fourth of July parade and fireworks still represented a considerable risk for a town that remains in the red for Covid-19 case positivity rates.
Town administrator James Hagerty began discussion by framing the issue around pros and cons, saying that almost all towns in the commonwealth had already canceled their official Fourth of July celebrations.
“It kind of comes down to a risk/reward situation,” Mr. Hagerty said. “Obviously 100,000 people congregating in downtown area for fireworks parade, as we know presents some area of public health concerns, staffing level and operational responses are already degraded due to Covid, and we could have unmanageable situation with a major incident.”
He added that despite the governor’s recent decision to fully reopen the state, the logistics of that reopening remained unclear and the reaction at the local level remained unknown.
“It’s a tough decision, but if we move forward with the events, we will be one of the only towns in Massachusetts to hold fireworks and a parade,” Mr. Hagerty said.
Parade grandmaster Joe Sollitto said that it would be impossible to do crowd control of any kind, especially in the tight areas where the parade begins and subsequently snakes through the downtown.
“If you’re at the fair, or at a restaurant, that’s a controlled situation,” Mr. Sollitto said. “A lot of people are going to be upset, but at this point in time, I think this is the right decision to make.”
Health agent Matt Poole said the events would be difficult to accomplish considering staffing issues in public safety departments — a concern echoed by police chief Bruce McNamee and fire chief Alex Schaeffer. Chief McNamee said his department was only 50 to 60 per cent staffed for the summer.
“I think we may struggle and be underprepared,” chief Schaeffer said.
After discussion, selectmen held a formal vote and reluctantly decided to cancel the events.
“It would seem to me, listening to these discussions, we have some serious public safety concerns. Covid aside, we are down staffing this year,” Mr. Smadbeck said. “I think it’s a question of public safety.”
Selectmen Margaret Serpa and Michael Donaroma agreed.
“The reality is, the Island already feels like July. I can’t imagine what July is going to be like,” Mr. Donaroma said. “Let’s take the year and get ready for next year. That seems like the right thing to do.”
The Fourth of July parade and fireworks join the Oak Bluffs August fireworks as two seminal summer events that have been canceled for the second season in a row due to the ongoing pandemic. Other events, such as the Agricultural Fair and the Beach Road Weekend music festival, have said they will proceed but with restrictions.
Comments
This seems like a very lazy
James PI3 Edg/New HavenThis seems like a very lazy solution. They should have attempted to put on the event in some altered manner.
At some point, you will all
Scorched Earth OB but have also lived in EdgartownAt some point, you will all have to go back to living normally. If the state is opening up May 29th....why aren’t you? There was no solution to offer fireworks at least? Why is the fire department staffed at 50%? I’m sure all police and fire department are vaccinated. You’re either open for business or you are not. This couldn’t be a lazier, low energy, no one else is doing it so why should we answer.
Very poor leadership and the
BCS Oak BluffsVery poor leadership and the voters should take note of it. Imagine the risks to safety that were taken by ordinary citizens to fight for our freedom and liberty compared to the incredibly small risks associated with Covid. We should all be ashamed.
This is crazy... time to all
Pete EdgartownThis is crazy... time to all move on... stay home and mask up if you like..
Just an awful decision. The
FredMV/NYC Edg/NYCJust an awful decision. The selectmen sound like they want to run for Gov of NY and Mayor of NYC. Let's get real and open up. Those who don't want to come can stay away.
What’s the problem? Why not
Tom EdgartownWhat’s the problem? Why not have the fireworks and a parade? So it will be of to pack the streets and beaches? Come on ... the Governor is lifting the ban
We need to get back to normal
Ali EdgartownWe need to get back to normal, doesn’t anyone listen to the science?
I went through the pandemic in ‘69-70 with
1 child in school & 2 at home, didn’t close the country, no masks, yes we lost lives, but life
was normal.
As usual the CHILDREN are being punished,
haven’t they been punished enough?
The first word that comes to
Beach Bum EdgartownThe first word that comes to mind is lazy - no alternative ideas to address the shortcomings. Just a huge disappointment when the news was finally trending positive.
Edgartown is so slow to make
Proud To Be From OB OBEdgartown is so slow to make up their minds. We cancelled the fireworks months ago. Nice work both of you!
This is truly a
Liz EdgartownThis is truly a disappointment, time to move on, if you are unvaccinated, that’s on you, if you are fully vaccinated yet still hesitant, wear a mask or stay home, everyone has access to a vaccination, so why ruin it for the majority that are vaccinated and we are not even into June yet?!?! There are many in this town that want the parade, celebration and fireworks!!!
Correct. Correct. And,
JC EdgartownCorrect. Correct. And, correct.
Apparently we don't follow
David ChilmarkApparently we don't follow the science. The country opens but Edgartown is worried about what? This is silly, I fully believe that a lot of people will bring out of state fireworks and have their own celebration. Don't worry, nobody will get hurt!
Cowardly - It is
Ken Hartford CohassetCowardly - It is literally all outside.
By this time everyone who would want Althea vaccine could get it.
Ridiculous
Sleeping at the chance to
August West EdgartownSleeping at the chance to dream.
Maybe the town can take all
Paul EdgartownMaybe the town can take all the money for the fireworks and donate it to the food bank or some other service that assists those in need or who have struggled through the pandemic... I think we can all survive another year without these events... as tragic as this latest development might appear...
As a family vacation
Emily VHAs a family vacation destination it would be irresponsible for these events to go on as in previous years. The majority of our visitors bring multiple children still unable to get vaccinated, and we have no way to confirm that the adults have been either. I’m grateful to the town leaders for continuing to keep all of us, local and visitor alike, safe on this crowded island.
The board did the responsible
here we go again edgThe board did the responsible thing. Our numbers aren't so great on the Island, and with an influx of summer visitors from 'parts unknown', its a risk not worth taking. I can only imagine the comments here 'after the fact' if the parade and fireworks turned into a 'super spreader' event. I applaud anyone willing to devote their time to public service since its impossible to please everyone and the world is full of anonymous 'armchair experts'. I don't always agree with decisions made by the board, but unless you're forcing people to show proof of vaccination (which I do NOT advocate), its a potential mine field.
“Visitors from parts unknown?
JC Edgartown“Visitors from parts unknown?” The numbers last summer in the midst of a record visitor season were fantastic. The problems started when everyone left. But by all means, don’t let the facts ruin a good story.
I will expect a rebate on my
James Cafferty EdgartownI will expect a rebate on my 2021 taxes. You don’t get to have a Town warrant for tens of thousands of dollars for fireworks expense; allocate expense to each Town agency for the events; and then cancel them. You pay the price that every other business who chooses to close does. It’s your choice, but it’s our money. I’d like mine back please.
That’s not how allocations
John Graham MVThat’s not how allocations work. The town still has the money. It’s like if you saved up for a vacation that you didn’t take.
Congratulations on making a
JP EdgartownCongratulations on making a wise decision despite the inevitable negative feedback. Two factors - staffing and COVID - would have to change drastically within the next month to make an event like the parade and fireworks safe. Given the typical 4th of July atmosphere in "normal" times, I think the selectmen should be praised for making a difficult and unpopular decision in the interest of public safety. This is especially true when one considers how challenging it has been to convince many to comply with simple public safety practices like mask wearing and vaccination, distancing, etc. GOOD WORK!
No Cape Poge beach boating,
Brad ChappyNo Cape Poge beach boating, no parade, no fireworks…let’s just all hide in our houses this summer and close the blinds! July 4th is a day to celebrate our great nation…Our Vineyard forefathers would not approve of throwing in the towel.
Really?? Are these the only
Julius ChappyReally?? Are these the only attractions we have on this island? Do we need these to be happy here? So many people would love to be here with or without fireworks.
Thank you for canceling the
Marie EdgartownThank you for canceling the parade and fireworks. The close quarters was the problem. Tough decision but the right one. I am all for opening up and thrilled that I can take off the mask but standing shoulder to shoulder with people from all over our great country is probably not something we should do this year.....Happy Healthy Fourth.
I may be a voice crying in
Lorraine EdgartownI may be a voice crying in the wilderness but I approve of the cancellation of the parade and the fireworks. My family and I have enjoyed them for decades but I approve of being cautious at this time. Of course, we will miss them. My grands and greats will miss them but IMHO a good move by the town.
Ironically the parade is
John Aldeborgh EdgartownIronically the parade is about Liberty and Freedom, I’d like mine back please. I’ve done my part, been vaccinated, I’m polite enough to wear a mask in public (even though I pose zero risk). If we’re all good citizens there’s no reason the parade can’t go on because you’re free to stay home if worried and/or will take necessary precautions (masks, distancing, etc.) to protect yourself and others. I’m with the group that says this is just lazy and harmful to the local economy.
Thanks for saying that better
Beach Bum EdgartownThanks for saying that better than I did!
I think this is the right
Scarlet Oak BluffsI think this is the right decision at this point. Anyone who is calling this lazy, etc., is selfish and not understanding the responsibility of the town departments. As disappointing that it is, accept it and look forward to next year. Be thankful YOU survived Covid...
No enough emergency
Carol EdgartownNo enough emergency responders? What do they think is going to happen? Riots?
So frightened, so timid. What happened to the "can do" America? Can't even manage some fireworks?
Let’s not blame this all on
Resident EdgartownLet’s not blame this all on Covid. Especially those whining about the lack of tourist incentive for their Air B&Bs when the coast guard and police force can’t meet staffing needs due to lack of housing. Yes most people can get their vaccines, and where masks if they want. That speaks nothing about the lack of personnel to meet non-covid related safety concerns for the 4th of July weekend. “Yes, we know you are having a heart attack, and would love to get you to the hospital to save your life, but don’t you realize the fireworks are more important so we had to reallocate staff to downtown, unable to control traffic effectively to get an ambulance in or out of here. But enjoy the parade and fireworks while you’re here.”
Great timing Edgartown
Ken Rusczyk Oak BluffsGreat timing Edgartown leaders! The governor opens the state and you close the town, good job!
A prudent decision. If town
Rose Boston and KatamaA prudent decision. If town departments do not have adequate staff it would be irresponsible to have the parade and fireworks. Public safety must be the primary consideration. If public safety can not be assured - and this article notes such concerns - the town would place itself at great risk if deciding to move forward with these events.
Staffing shortages in police
Elizabeth EdgartownStaffing shortages in police ranks is not about housing - its about funding.
Decide what you want to have.
Our Town officials have lots
Gail Oak Bluffs and Palm BeachOur Town officials have lots of power but little faith in our residents and visitors. Don’t you think we are smart enough to protect ourselves from large crowds? We can wear masks be vaccinated or stay home if we want. We can make our own decisions about how to protect ourselves and each other. You will be shown the same respect at the next election that you have shown us. Obviously you have little respect for our Governor as well as he affects the life and safety of many more residents than you do.
Another example of taking our
Martha Oak BluffsAnother example of taking our Country for granted. If we can not rally behind our nation's independence, we will lose it at some point. If you can not manage a parade, you can still do some fireworks. This is pathetic.
Add new comment