Avalon Foundation and Town of Easton will launch fireworks on July 4!

The Avalon Foundation has been responsible for Easton’s July 4th Celebration for the past 18 years, but never have the production challenges been as great as 2020. According to Al Bond, Avalon CEO, “It was really touch and go this time with all of the restrictions and it just would not have happened but for Easton Mayor, Robert Willey, and the Easton Town Council’s commitment to the event.”

This year the event lost its major source of revenue, the week-long carnival, and its lead sponsor.  Confronted with a $21K project deficit, it was unclear that the event could happen even if the public safety concerns could be addressed.  Mayor Willey committed Easton Public Works resources to take over much of the work that the Foundation contracts out, saving many thousands of dollars and Easton Utilities is providing power. The Elks Lodge 1622, American Legion Post 70, VFW Post 5118, Knights of Columbus and Shore United Bank all provided grants. The Town of Easton increased its already significant grant, making the Town the single largest supporter of this year’s patriotic observance. 

The Avalon Foundation has a longstanding focus on safety.  Event Manager, Scott Milligan put it this way, “There is inherent risk in fireworks displays, operating carnival equipment and even live music production, so we have had a safety first mindset long before we had to implement measures around the corona virus.  Working with local health officials, we streamlined the event to remove high contact activities, reduced the total duration and will have clearly marked and appropriately spaced areas for families to congregate with wide lanes to enter and leave.” 

In order to avoid areas where people would be drawn to congregate there will be no carnival, live music or concessions.  The public is welcome to pack in food and beverages, but the event continues to be alcohol free. While there will be portable restrooms and hand washing stations, attendees should consider using facilities at home before and after the event if possible.   All attendees are expected to have masks on their person, but are only expected to wear their mask in the event that they find themselves in a crowd or closer than 6 feet to anyone outside their household.  If everyone follows instruction neither circumstance should occur.   If you or a member of your family is in a high risk category, watch from your car.  If you or a member of your family is showing any COVID related symptoms, stay home.

Bond summed it up by saying, “The great news is that the field is huge so as long as everybody does their part we can have a safe event.  While we may not be able to do everything that we wish we could, the Avalon Foundation has taken the position that it will do everything that it can do safely. I am very grateful to everyone who came together to make this year work.  We could all use a little joy and unity about now, so I hope this helps”

For the best viewing the public should plan to arrive at the field at the corner of Marlboro Road & St. Michaels Road (provided by Waterside Village owners BET Investments) no earlier than 8:30 pm to get settled.  Fireworks will launch at approximately 9:30 pm and last for 23 minutes.  Be prepared to follow safety instructions from event staff and officers of the Easton Police Department.