The city’s Fourth of July celebration, usually hosted by the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department, is the latest casualty of area coronavirus cancellations since the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“Our Fourth of July has been solely focused around the pool since 2017 at Wet Fest,” Recreation Coordinator Ali Baxter said. “With the strict restrictions regarding distancing and sanitation, this event is too large to hold and be successful in protecting the attendees and staff from any potential exposures.
“We have had right at 1,000 attendees for the last two years and that exceeds the recommended gathering sizes and distancing capabilities.”
Baxter explained why the city has been able to host concerts and movie nights at Posse Ground Park the last few weeks, but the Fourth of July event isn’t allowed to take place.
“The concerts and movies are more intimate events, making crowd size control and distancing practices much more manageable,” she said. “We have limited the concerts and movies to 120 attendees.”
Parks and Rec will be offering Wet Wednesdays every Wednesday in July beginning July 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staff will have sprinklers on in the grassy area at Posse Grounds Park. Sprinklers will run on an 11-stage cycle, starting on the North Softball Field.
“Folks are welcome to come run and play in the fresh air, practice distancing, bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoors,” Baxter said.
As for other events in the near future, Baxter said, “We have not received guidance or come to a decision on canceling any other events coming up after summer. We will be sure to keep the public informed and strive to offer all events that are possible to do so but safely.”
