Organizers of the annual 4th of July festivities in Superior have made their plans for 2020 public:  While there won't be a parade, there will be fireworks.  The announcement comes as communities all across the Northland (and all across the country) adjust plans in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The plan to continue with the firework display came about a week ago - when sister-Twin Ports city Duluth made public that their firework cancellation.  After Duluth Mayor Emily Larson made her announcement, Superior Mayor Jim Paine shared that Superior intended to go forward with firework plans for the 4th of July holiday. According to news sources, only a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases would change those plans.  According to Mayor Paine, "The only thing that would cancel it is if we had a significant surge in Douglas County in July.  Right now, we feel pretty comfortable with it."

The only change being made to the fireworks show for 2020 will be a move back to the fairgrounds on south Tower Avenue.  While the fairgrounds isn't new to hosting the show, Superior has set off their fireworks near Barkers Island the last few years.

Although understandable considering the pandemic, the news that the parade was being cancelled for 2020 stunned many in the community.  Superior's 4th of July parade is one of the larger parade events in the area on the patriotic holiday, attracting both spectators and participants from other states - and even countries; a contingent of bagpipers from Canada has been known to take part in years past.  Crowds that number in the thousands usually line the parade route to watch.

That said, organizers didn't want the annual, family-friendly event to turn into a breeding ground for an influx of COVID-19 cases.  Parade organizer Dan O'Neill said "I looked at all the smiling faces of kids and everyone having such a good time, and I would hate it to end on a negative note."

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