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WELLSBURG -- Citing concerns about public health, the volunteer group behind Wellsburg's weeklong celebration of Independence Day has announced fireworks and other events won't be held this year.
Leaders of the Wellsburg 4th of July Committee said if conditions improve, a few live concerts and fireworks could be held later in the year.
A letter to the public bearing the names of co-chairs Barb Yoder and Darin Pizer and treasurer Michelle Temple states, "It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Wellsburg 4th of July Committee announces that our 2020 festivities will be canceled. After much discussion, thought and collaboration with the city of Wellsburg, we believe that due to the current circumstances with COVID-19, it wouldn't be safe to have our events that were scheduled from June 26 to July 4."
"Unfortunately, this includes the concerts, the town run, tournaments and, sadly, the cornerstones of our celebration, the parade and fireworks," the letter states.
"The committee knows how much everyone looks forward to this time. We understand that currently some restrictions are easing up in West Virginia; however, as much as we love seeing everyone and entertaining the valley for eight nights,we love the thought of keeping you healthy and safe even more."
The committee leaders go on to say they hope if concerns about COVID-19 lighten, they would consider a shorter celebration later in the year.
"When health and government officials give the go-ahead to have large scale gatherings, our dedicated volunteers will work to put together a few evenings of bands and definitely end our festivities with the fireworks," they said.
Members of the committee encourages everyone to have hope for better times.
"People can survive 21 days without food, three days without water, but cannot survive one day without hope. Hope is not a strategy. It's not a plan or a projection. Hope is what is in our hearts, and it is what will get us through these unprecedented times," they said.
The committee leaders concluded by encouraging everyone to celebrate the holiday safely, adding they "can't wait to see you as soon as we can gather again as an entire community."
Yoder, who was called for comment, said the group was concerned about seeking donations from the many businesses that sponsor concerts that are free to the public and other events at a time when their revenue was affected by the pandemic-spurred lockdown.
She said some consideration was given to waiting longer before making the decision, but she noted many former residents make plans to return home for the holiday.
The group recently approached Wellsburg Council for input. While the celebration's events are organized by volunteers, they are held on city property, with City Police providing security and city crews involved with preparations and cleanup.
At council's May 12 meeting, plans were made to consult state health officials.
But there was some concern about the large number of people who gather at the city's 18th Street Park and other areas and the unlikelihood of being able to regulate the volume of attendees and distance between them.
The celebration joins Follansbee Community Days, the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival and other summer events that have been canceled because of concerns about the coronavirus.
Toronto city officials have announced plans to present a fireworks display, cancel other events and encourage people to watch from their homes.
Steubenville and Weirton officials haven't announced their plans for the holiday.