COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce has decided to cancel this year's Fourth of July fireworks, but move forward with the parade and other festivities in Coeur d'Alene Park.
The Chamber of Commerce President said they decided to cancel the fireworks due to how crowded Coeur d'Alene City Park gets before the show, and it also makes a long day for law enforcement who patrol the area.
The Chamber is considering extending the parade route so bystanders can social distance. Vendors will also have to fill out applications stating how they plan to keep customers and employees safe while doing business in the park.
However, the Chamber said all the festivities will be canceled if Idaho isn't out of stage 4 of its rebound plan by Fourth of July.
Other Independence Day celebrations have already been canceled in Idaho. The fireworks show over Payette Lake in McCall Idaho was canceled. The city will instead host drive-in movies, drive up concerts, and other events that encourage social distancing.
The fireworks show in Coeur d'Alene is one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in the Inland Northwest.
The event is usually preceded by a parade, musical performances, and street food at Coeur d'Alene city park.
Crowds gather hours ahead of time to get a good spot to watch the show over Lake Coeur d'Alene, which usually lasts around 20 minutes.