Fireworks shows scheduled at George, Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — There are longstanding traditions around the Columbia Basin when it comes to July 4 — community celebrations, fireworks and people getting together. But, as the organizers of the George July 4 celebration put it, 2020 is a very different Fourth of July.

The COVID-19 outbreak has meant the cancellation of many community celebrations in 2020, as restrictions have been imposed to help slow the virus’s spread. July 4 celebrations have been among those canceled, but two fireworks shows are going on as scheduled.

Organizers of the festival in George will go ahead with one event, raising the flag at 10:30 a.m. in the George city park. Ringing the “Freedom Bell” is part of the observance, along with a 21-gun salute.

Speakers will follow the ceremony. They include state legislators Sen. Judy Warnick and Rep. Alex Ybarra and Rep. Tom Dent. Loren Culp, a candidate for governor, will be the keynote speaker.

People who want to watch the ceremony and listen to the speakers are asked to observe social distancing guidelines, which means stay at least six feet apart.

The George fireworks show will go on as planned and starts at 10 p.m. George residents are being asked by event organizers to watch from home, while people who travel from other areas should stay in their cars.

The fireworks also will go on in Moses Lake. The Freedom Festival fireworks show begins at 10 p.m.

People are being asked to avoid congregating in McCosh Park. The parking lots at the park and nearby Surf ‘n Slide water park will be closed after the Moses Lake Farmers Market ends at 1 p.m. Saturday, according to Moses Lake city officials.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].