Fireworks, Celebrate 4 activities postponed until 2021

The Celebrate 4 Committee and the City of Greencastle announced Monday that the annual Celebrate 4 events and fireworks will be postponed until 2021.

“This was a very difficult decision that was made with the safety of our citizens, vendors, volunteers and staff in mind,” Greencastle Mayor Bill Dory said.

The planning committee reviewed guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the State Department of Health and other best practices in making the decision.

Gov. Holcomb’s Back on Track plan calls for the state’s economy to be open by July 4. However, health authorities are recommending the continuation of social distancing, special hygiene protocols and other public heath practices continue beyond July 4.

Unfortunately, the usual location of Robe-Ann Park in Greencastle makes it difficult to ensure that social distancing and sanitation practices can be maintained to protect the community. Event organizers and leaders believe it is in the best interests to err on the side of protecting the health of community members, as at a minimum, several thousand spectators are generally in the park during the event.

Other communities such as Bloomington and Lafayette have taken similar actions.

“Greencastle and Putnam County have done a great job of working hard to follow recommended practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Mayor Dory said. “No one wants to risk the potential of a flare up from an event that so many in the community enjoy.”

Plans will quickly be under way to bring back Celebrate 4 in 2021 bigger and better than ever. Both the Celebrate 4 Committee and the city wish to thank all the event’s supporters for their goodwill and understanding.