RADFORD – Radford’s annual Spirit of America Event in Bisset Park has been canceled, but Radford will still have a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
In June, the City of Radford officially announced the annual Spirit of America festival would be canceled, due to concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fireworks, however, will go on.
“The best fireworks in the New River Valley will be even better and fly higher this July Fourth in Radford,” said Mayor David Horton in a June 10 announcement on Facebook. “We’ve been working on a deal with Grucci, our firework provider and one of the oldest and most famous names in fireworks, who also happen to have a manufacturing facility right here in the NRV. We can now announce that our Radford “Spirit of America” show will be the best ever with larger and higher displays and a longer presentation.”
“Now we need your help to keep everyone safe during our show,” he continued. “COVID 19 has not gone away and we cannot have large gatherings without social distancing.”
Bisset Park will be closed to traffic for the day and those who come out to watch the Fireworks throughout Radford are asked to maintain social distance.
In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks show will be held on Sunday, July 5.
According to an announcement on the city’s website regarding the cancellation, the decision followed “weeks of discussion and deliberation. The decision was made in the best interest of the community, as well as the visitors who attend the celebration due to public health concerns.”
“This was a very difficult decision, but one that was made in the best interest of our entire community,” says David Ridpath, Radford’s City Manager. “Many different solutions for the event were considered, but with the uncertainty of COVID-19, we feel as though canceling the event is the best option for the health and safety of our community, visitors, and staff.”
The Spirit of America Celebration began in 2005 and attracts an estimated 10,000-12,000 attendees to Radford each year. The event has been headlined by singer/songwriter Jimmy Fortune for years and features children’s games, vendors, and fair food. The event concludes with a Firework Show sponsored by Third Security.
“When you have done this as many years as we have, you think you have seen it all,” said Ken Goodyear, Parks and Recreation Director. “The event takes months of planning and although we are extremely disappointed, the risks associated with staging an event of this magnitude, at this particular time, are simply too great.”
“We are thrilled that the City of Radford will have the opportunity to enjoy the best Fireworks display in the region to celebrate Independence Day,” added Horton. “While we love our traditional celebrations in the City, the mass gathering in Bisset Park is not possible this year due to health concerns. We will be back in full force in 2021. We are relying on all our residents and guests to help us make the Fireworks display safe by abiding by all the good practices for good health. Social Distancing is important as we celebrate our nation’s birthday.”.
“Radford officials have been monitoring Governor Ralph Northam’s guidelines for reopening the state and consulting with local and state health officials for weeks,” states the city’s announcement. “In the end, the inability to guarantee the safety of all involved made canceling the most logical option.”
“The safety of our citizens, visitors, and staff is the utmost priority and there are just too many things out of our control to create a safe environment for all those involved, whether working or attending the event, this summer,” concluded Ridpath. “We will now focus on 2021 and work to bring the Spirit of America event back next year, bigger and better than ever.”
