BREAKING–Tri-Cities to Scrub All Official July 4 Celebrations

Thursday afternoon, the word came out. In a joint statement released by the cities of Richland, Pasco, Kennewick and West Richland, there will be no city-sponsored or sanctioned 4th of July events this year, adding the River of Fire to the list of scrubbed events, along with Pasco's Grand Old Fourth display at GESA Stadium--and the parade.

The joint statement read in part as follows:

"After considering numerous options to host Independence Day events that would adhere to state and health department guidelines amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, it has been determined to postpone events that had been scheduled for July 4th. The Carousel Foundation Board of Directors, its sponsors and City of Kennewick officials have elected to postpone the River of Fire Fireworks display until 2021. The City of Pasco has cancelled the Grand Old 4th Parade and is postponing the Fireworks show at the GESA Stadium to a later date in 2020, date to be determined. Each city has different restrictions on the use of personal fireworks. The use of personal fireworks are banned in the City of Kennewick and while some personal fireworks are permitted within the cities of Pasco, Richland, and West Richland, there are restrictions on the types of fireworks authorized."