LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Choosing to use the RJ Corman rail yard as a launch site for the second straight year was the easy part for Linda Gorton. Deciding if a fireworks show on July 4 would be safe during a pandemic was a much more complex issue for Lexington’s Mayor.
“We worked very intentionally to meet the governor and the CDC’s criteria for holding an event,” Gorton said. “The fireworks presented an opportunity because we think it’s doable. We think people can be at a distance.”
Viewers of the display will be asked to drive to a location that offers a good vantage point (if one isn’t available at home), park their cars, take out the lawn chairs, and then sit close to your vehicle to remain as far away from others as possible.
Gorton has had to make so many cuts to her budget in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this was one event she felt strongly about keeping, and got to do so with a little help from another city agency.
“Parks and Recreation were able to use this line item in our budget because we had so many shifts due to COVID-19 response,” Parks and recreation Commissioner Monica Conrad said.
The Mayor is grateful for that, and although she was is being forced to cancel July 4 events like the concert and parade, while making the Bluegrass 10K race a virtual event, she’s glad to be able to put on the fireworks display for her citizens.
“We want to lift our city’s spirits, celebrate our patriotism, and just have fun,” she said.
