Town Governments Share Fourth of July Closures, Virtual Events

This year’s Fourth of July is different from most. Not only has the coronavirus pandemic caused many celebrations to be canceled, but local governments will still observe the holiday on weekdays — despite it falling on a Saturday.

Here is a list of what closures and town services will be affected by the Fourth of July holiday this year, as well as some scheduled events:

Carrboro

Carrboro’s downtown Fourth of July celebration at Weaver Street Market and town hall were canceled in May over concerns from COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean the town’s festivities have been entirely called off.

The town government has scheduled a handful of virtual and socially-distanced activities throughout Saturday, July 4. Festivities begin with a Town Vehicle Parade at 10 a.m., where town vehicles from Carrboro Police, Fire, Public Works, Planning, and Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources will drive a 26-mile route through the town. Carrboro said it’s a way for town staff to see and connect with its residents and a fun time to dress up in patriotic attire or display decorations.

An annual Carrboro tradition will also still be held on Saturday, albeit virtually. The 7th annual community reading of Frederick Douglass’ essay, “The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro” will be hosted virtually by Mayor Lydia Lavelle. Starting at 12 p.m. on the town’s website and social media channels, the event will feature guests reading the powerful piece from the abolitionist.

Further details and updates regarding Carrboro’s Fourth of July festivities can be found on the town’s web page for the events.

The town also said its solid waste collection would be affected on Friday, July 3, with residents receiving service on Thursday, July 2, instead.

Chapel Hill

The Town of Chapel Hill’s Fourth of July events, like the main fireworks display, were also canceled in advance to protect public health from the coronavirus.

The town’s government, however, is still recognizing the holiday on Friday, July 3. No yard waste collection will occur on Friday and Chapel Hill Transit will be running on altered routes. The bus system will operate on Saturday hours on Friday before closing entirely on July 4 and July 5. The EZ-Rider system will provide its Saturday hours on Friday as well, with its premium service available on Sunday.

Hillsborough

The Town of Hillsborough shared a release with the community saying solid waste collection for Friday, July 3, will be delayed due to recognition of the holiday. Residents who don’t receive the service on Friday will have their garbage and brush waste collected on Monday, July 6.

Town offices will remain closed because of the ongoing pandemic, according to the release.

Hillsborough also shared an event not sponsored by the town that is slated to take place on Saturday, July 4. The town said and Independence Day commemoration is expected to draw about 50 to 60 people to the lawn of the Old Orange County Courthouse from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. According to the release, organizers plan to have speakers, singing of patriotic songs and voter registration.

The town is not currently issuing special event permits due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, Orange County waste and recycling centers, as well as the county landfill, will be closed closed on Saturday.

Photo via SP Murray.

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