The July 4th fireworks is a tradition that has been sponsored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce for many years. The Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC take our responsibilities seriously, promoting our beautiful mountain destination for economic well-being, supporting businesses, and providing our residents with a great place to live.
Considerations such as restaurant, accommodation and retail occupancy are of utmost importance as we estimate the number of individuals that could be in town for the holiday weekend.
The July 4th weekend falls on the cusp of the potential of transitioning to North Carolina’s Phase 3, with an unknown number for gathering, or remaining in Phase 2 with only a 50% occupancy in restaurants and a limit of 25 for outside gatherings.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce must decide so that the fireworks company, police, and fire responders can be notified to be properly prepared for the event. In light of the Macon County Health Department’s announcement on Friday, May 29 about the rise in positive cases and after much discussion with Town officials, neighboring Chambers, and destination promoters, it is with great regret that we will postpone the 2020 Fourth of July Fireworks to Saturday of Labor Day weekend, September 5.
“The Highlands Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have made the prudent and wise decision to postpone the July 4th Fireworks Display,” said Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor. “Given the circumstances, it is very uncertain as to whether large gatherings will be, or should be, permitted at that time. The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners were consulted and deferred this decision to the sponsoring organization. The mayor and the board understand the necessity for postponing the fireworks until Labor Day.”
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC will continue to seek creative ways to promote the celebration of our country’s independence according to the State of NC mandates as we move forward.
Submitted by Kaye McHan, Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center