Fourth of July celebrations canceled

In normal times, Haddonfield celebrates the nation’s independence with a celebration downtown and fireworks on July 3 and a parade on July 4.

But these are not normal times.

The Haddonfield Celebrations Association, the not-for-profit community group that plans and raises funds for these and several other annual events, has decided that a public celebration of America’s independence will not be practical in 2020.

“We’re disappointed, of course,” said Ken Tomlinson, the Association’s president, “but we decided it was best to be safe rather than sorry.”

Arrangement for the fireworks and parade are typically made several months in advance. “Each year, we pay deposits to vendors and bands,” Tomlinson said, “but it didn’t make sense to do that this year, since there are many unknowns, and many decisions are out of our hands.”

Tomlinson said the Celebrations Association recognized that its decision will disappoint not just residents, but many others from throughout the region.

“Hundreds of out-of-town folks come to Haddonfield for our spectacular fireworks and one of the best parades in the Delaware Valley,” he said. “We will look forward to welcoming them back in 2021.”