Several Fourth of July celebrations in Fulton County have been canceled by the coronavirus pandemic this year, but one city has festivities that are alternatives to the usual fireworks.
East Point has two events planned for the holiday. City officials will lead a Census Caravan Parade from City Hall at 2757 East Point St. to John D. Milner Park at 3000 Randall St. where stations will be set up for people to complete census forms. Refreshments and giveaway items will be available at the park and a DJ will spin music, East Point spokesperson Shannon Wiggins said.
Cars will start to gather at 11 a.m. Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, wear masks and bring self-made signs that promote the census, Wiggins added.
The city has set up a virtual fireworks celebration in place of the annual holiday event that is normally held downtown with live music and vendors. For July Fourth this year, smartphone users can download the Total AR app, enable the camera and location service and click “GeoAR.” Then, while outdoors, hold the phone up to the sky to see a simulated fireworks show displayed on the screen against the local backdrop.
In north Fulton, Monday, the city of Milton canceled its annual Independence Day Walking Community Parade and Celebration that was scheduled to take place on July 3. Participants have decorated golf carts, wagons and bikes for the event. Many would stroll the route with leashed pets that were dressed up for the occasion.
The city does not traditionally host fireworks events; some Milton farm owners have complained in years past that the spectacle is traumatizing to their animals. Last summer, the president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA urged Georgia officials to pass a law allowing only non-explosive and non-aerial fireworks. The letter was prompted by a Milton donkey who was believed to have died from a heart attack during a fireworks display.
Nearby Wills Park in Alpharetta will not have its annual fireworks celebration this year.
Other cities that have canceled or postponed fireworks celebrations include Roswell, Sandy Springs and Johns Creek.
