Another big regional Fourth of July fireworks show won’t happen

Indian Lake State Park officials have postponed the Fourth of July fireworks show that routinely draws thousands of spectators on the water and around the shoreline, citing restrictions because of the coronavirus.

The state’s explanation came after the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce on Monday posted on Facebook that fireworks were canceled because of protests and rioting in Ohio after the death of George Floyd. The chamber on Tuesday revised the post to say that COVID-19, expected crowds and weekend events were the reasons fireworks were canceled.

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ODNR said Monday evening that that cancelation is because of health concerns related to COVID-19.

The Ohio Department of Health said on Friday that mass gatherings still are prohibited under the pandemic rules. ODNR felt that the fireworks at Indian Lake State Park fit into that category and denied the special activity permits needed to have the show.

The Indian Lake Chamber and others had attempted to keep the fireworks show as planned but said the decision was up to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources because the park is state property.

The chamber noted that other Indian Lake events, such as Putt around the Lake on July 11, are still happening.

The fireworks show is rescheduled for Labor Day weekend, contingent on the proper permits being signed in time.

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