HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Henrico County has canceled its annual 2020 Red, White & Lights July 4th Celebration due to health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The community celebration of Independence Day, which had been scheduled to return to Dorey Park on Saturday, July 4, has attracted as many as 20,000 people for an evening of live music, fireworks and laser light shows and other entertainment.
On Tuesday, the Henrico County Division of Recreation and Parks, which organizes the event, concluded it would be unable to hold the event under current health regulations and guidelines for limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
“Red, White & Lights is a wonderful, family-friendly event that brings together our residents and community for a celebration of our nation’s independence,” said Neil Luther, director of Recreation and Parks. “While it’s disappointing that we are unable to hold this year’s event, we must continue to make the health and safety of the public our primary focus. Henrico County looks forward to bringing back this celebration when it is safe to do so.”
Residents are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors and local parks while adhering to social distancing and other health guidelines.
In lieu of the event, the Recreation and Parks Division will present patriotic displays July 1-5 at Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, and at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road.
The displays will feature 70 flags, artwork, and a sand sculpture that will be built on site, beginning Saturday, June 27.
In addition, Uncle Sam on stilts will greet guests from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 3 at Crump Park. Visitors to Dorey Park will hear the story of London Pleasants, an enslaved man who defined his own independence during the Revolutionary War. A 20-minute presentation by Colonial Williamsburg re-enactor Jamar Jones and a question-and-answer period will occur on the hour from 4 to 7 p.m.
All activities will be held in outdoor areas and arranged to encourage social distancing.
