It is with a heavy heart and much consternation that the Washington Celebrates America committee has announced that it is cancelling its annual July 4th activities this year. 

“It was not a decision that we took lightly,” said Richard Maguire, Chair of the WCA committee. “In the long run there seemed to be too many ifs and obstacles in making it work this year.”

With the COVID-19 situation still up in the air as far as when large gatherings can take place, the limited number of bands willing to commit for the parade, and the safety measures overall that would likely have to be put in place were just a few of the reasons that the committee took into consideration in making its decision. 

Additionally, committee members felt it was unfair to seek monetary donations from businesses and families at this time as so many of them are struggling to cope as it is. The majority of funding for the event historically comes from donations to WCA, a non-profit organization. Another source of income is the annual candy sale. With limited ways to sell the candy this year, however, that source of money has essentially dried up.

Washington Celebrates America, running for several decades, typically includes an old-fashioned parade, fireworks, orange crate derby, and other family activities. Unfortunately, though, not this year. 

“We look at this as an unavoidable bump in the road,” said Maguire. “A disappointing one for the entire community. We know how much everyone looks forward to it. We’ll be working hard to bring back Washington Celebrates America in 2021, bigger and better than ever!”