Dauphin Island will skip its traditional Independence Day fireworks this year. Mayor Jeff Collier announced the cancellation on social media Tuesday, citing coronavirus concerns.
The island’s public safety staff worked to find a way to stage the show safely, Collier said, but in the end didn’t feel fully confident that crowds could be kept safe under the circumstances. SickleFin Charters had offered to sponsor this year’s display — an offer the mayor said he hopes the town can take up another year.
“While we all enjoy celebrating Independence Day with a colorful pyrotechnics show, we also have a more immediate responsibility to maintain a healthy and safe environment during these challenging times,” Collier said. “Let’s do everything possible to make sure our island community remains part of the solution and not part of the problem.”
The Fourth of July won’t pass entirely unmarked: the Dauphin Island Veterans Association will hold its July 4 ceremony at Water Tower Plaza at 11 a.m., with measures in place for social distancing. The mayor encouraged residents to attend.