Last Updated on June 8, 2021 6:49 pm
For the second year in a row the July 4th Parade in Boone will not take place due to COVID-19. So why is that?
WataugaOnline.com reached out to Mark Freed, Town of Boone Cultural Resources Department Director, for more information about the parade cancellation and the events planned.
Mr. Freed responded, “the Town of Boone and the NC Governor had COVID restrictions in place until mid-May that would have prevented crowds from safely congregating along King Street. In a typical year, we begin working on the July 4th Parade in February/March, in order to have adequate time to get all of the permits and permissions in place, register participants, and line-up staff and volunteers to work the event. Rather than try to expedite our planning process for the first large post-pandemic Town-sponsored event, we decided to focus our energy on creating a safe, fun, and festive event with the Fireworks celebration at Clawson-Burnley Park. We look forward to returning to Town-sponsored parades later this year with our Christmas Parade, and we encourage community members and groups to join us for the July 4th celebration at Clawson-Burnley Park.”
Events at Clawson-Burnley Park and the new Watauga County Recreation Center will include:
Regular fireworks display,
Inviting the public out to the space in the late afternoon/early evening for family-friendly fun.
Some inflatables and lawn games for the kids.
Music
Food trucks
A space for community groups to set up a tent and be part of the festivities.
