Westport Decides Not To Hold 2021 Fourth Of July Fireworks

WESTPORT, CT — Town officials have decided not to hold the annual Compo Beach Independence Day fireworks in Westport this year in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The decision was made by town officials, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees of the Westport Police Athletic League, and announced Thursday.

In a news release, town officials said information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, current and expected guidance from the state's Department of Health regarding large-scale events and the continued uncertainty of the coronavirus and its variants were considered prior to a decision being made.

"Based on this information, it is in the best interest of residents, visitors, employees and the organizers to forego this highly attended event this year," the release reads.

Although mask wearing rules are being relaxed and the town is headed toward widespread vaccination, the CDC and other health and government officials continue to recommend social distancing in large gatherings of any kind for the foreseeable future, town officials said.

"The CDC recommends that everyone, fully vaccinated or not, should social distance and continue wearing masks in crowded settings and outdoor venues like concerts and sporting events where you will be around large groups of strangers," Westport Weston Health District Director Mark Cooper said in a news release. "In most outdoor scenarios, the transmission risk is low. However, when outside in places where you are likely to be with many people from outside your household, people must maintain social distancing and should still wear face coverings."

Town officials said there is no way to enforce social distancing and mask wearing during the crowded event, and it is inadvisable at this time to plan for an event where thousands of people must congregate in close proximity and cannot socially distance.

Possible alternative sites for the event were also considered, however each one created even greater concerns regarding accessibility, safety and logistics, according to town officials.

Town officials also noted they cannot take a "wait and see" approach to determine where the community is in its coronavirus recovery efforts in July, as the event requires early planning, permitting and funding. Arranging for the display itself also requires significant lead time.

While the town is very involved in planning and conducting the large-scale event, it is not town-funded. PAL is the longtime sponsor of this annual event, so a decision needed to be made now based on the information available at this time and in coordination with all the organizers, town officials said.

First Selectman Jim Marpe said he was disappointed Westport could not hold the large celebration it had hoped for this year.

"Our town has come too far in our successful battle to overcome COVID-19 to risk a possible setback by conducting a major gathering prematurely," Marpe said in a news release. "I am happy that this year's July 4th holiday still offers an opportunity to celebrate safely with smaller groups of families, friends and neighbors."

Marpe also noted the town has received tremendous support from many individuals and town organizations throughout the past year.

"It took a community-wide effort to manage this devastating health crisis," Marpe said. "We have not yet completed the race, but we are closer to the finish line and nearing a return to normalcy. I am confident that next year's celebration at Compo Beach will be the most memorable one in many years."