FIREWORKS SCHEDULED, BEACH CLOSED – City of Marathon cancels over COVID concerns

The City of Marathon’s  fireworks show will go on. However, Sombrero Beach will be closed on Saturday, July 4, with all other festivities at the beach cancelled, including the parade. The beach will remain closed until a daylight inspection can be conducted and the area deemed safe.  The city anticipates reopening the beach on Sunday, July 5.

“Closing the beach is something that none of us want to do, but feel is best for the safety of our residents and guests. We have been monitoring the situation closely. As of today, with the increase in cases, high numbers of beach visitors and the need to slow the spread to avoid reverting to further closures, it is the appropriate measured response,” said Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey. “It would have been easy to cancel everything weeks ago, but our community deserves better.  Celebrating our nation’s Independence is not only about ‘Pomp and Parade,’ it has grown to be a day of unity for Americans and the celebration will go in a modified fashion.” 

The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July.  The legacy audio portion of the show will be broadcast on FM 98.7. The fireworks can be seen from other locations in Marathon, as well as on the water.  Those who wish to view the fireworks are urged to plan to find locations suitable for viewing and social distancing.