Fireworks Near Me: Newark’s 4th Of July 2020 | Newark, NJ Patch – Newark, NJ Patch

NEWARK, NJ – July 4 events across the country will not look the same this year thanks to the coronavirus. Many cities and towns have been forced to postpone their annual Fourth of July events, including several across Essex County.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. announced on June 1 that the 2020 Essex County Summer Music Concert Series and Fireworks displays have been cancelled because of the coronavirus.

Essex County traditionally has hosted three fireworks spectaculars in Branch Brook and Weequahic Parks in Newark, and Brookdale Park in Bloomfield/Montclair to celebrate Independence Day.

“Our Summer Concert Series and Fireworks Spectaculars are much anticipated events that attract spectators from throughout Essex County and beyond,” DiVincenzo said. “They are an opportunity for us to bond as a community, enjoy an evening outdoors, and celebrate the birth of our nation and our freedoms. However, our battle against the coronavirus is far from over. In the abundance of caution, we have decided that cancelling our concerts and fireworks displays are the best option to help keep our residents safe. We look forward to next year when we can gather together again in the cool summer evenings and enjoy our favorite music in our beautiful parks.”

In recent years, the Summer Concert Series has included about 30 different events that have included a variety of music genres, cover bands and day-long festivals.

NEWARK CLOSURES

City Hall will be closed and most non-emergency Newark municipal services will be suspended on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. Police, fire and other uniformed emergency services will be unaffected.

“I hope that everyone enjoys the holiday in a safe and responsible manner, remembering to wear your masks in public, observe social distancing, and keep safe from COVID-19,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“While Newark City Hall will be closed in observance of the holiday, the City will be prepared to respond to any emergency,” Baraka said. “I urge all of Newark’s residents to uphold the City’s sanitation ordinances on Independence Day weekend and to be good neighbors.”

Trash and glass recycling will not be picked up as scheduled for Zone B on Friday, July 3. Therefore, residents should not put out their trash and recycling on the night of Thursday, July 2. Trash and recycling pick-ups for Zone B will resume on Tuesday, July 7.

The Department of Health and Community Wellness’s inspection services and health clinic will not operate on Friday, July 3. In addition, the Bureau of Vital Statistics will be closed. Residents will not be able to apply for permits, birth certificates, name-change certificates, marriage licenses, nor pay water or tax bills at City Hall. However, the Medical Director and Department’s Division of Surveillance and Prevention are on call for medical and public health emergencies.

The Municipal Court will also be closed on Friday, July 3, 2020. However, a judge will be available to preside over bail hearings for defendants in custody. Residents can make payments on parking and traffic tickets through the website www.njmcdirect.com. To utilize this website, residents will need their summons number, including the prefix, and the City of Newark’s court code, which is 0714.

FIREWORKS ALTERNATIVES?

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute. Check your event before you go.

The State Fair Meadowlands, which normally has fireworks on July 3 and 4, is now running instead from July 23 through Aug. 9. When they update their schedule it will be here.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks are taking place on July 4 as usual, and will be shown on NBC. The store chain has not yet announced specifics.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

This article contains reporting from the Patch national desk

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